Durability of pulverised fuel ash (PFA) concrete exposed to acidic and alkali conditions

¹ Civil Engineering Programmes, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei Darussalam
² Student, Civil & Structural Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Brunei, Brunei Darussalam

^* Corresponding author: saiful.duraman@utb.edu.bn

Abstract

Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) is becoming an important component in concrete due to potentially improved properties such as workability, later age strength and durability. Concrete structures may be susceptible to acid attack due to exposure to acid rain, acidic soil or polluted water. Concrete structures exposed to high alkaline environments, in addition to the alkalinity level of the cement and aggregates, may promote alkali-silica reaction (ASR) leading to swelling and reduction in durability. This study looks into the durability properties of PFA incorporated concrete at various replacement levels when exposed to highly acidic and alkali conditions. Compressive strengths and water absorption tests were compared between concrete cured under normal conditions with concrete exposed to highly acidic and highly alkali conditions. All specimens exposed to acidic conditions showed significant decreases in mass and compressive strengths compared to specimens cured normally. Higher PFA replacement resulted in improved resistance to acid attack. All specimens exposed to alkali conditions showed minor increases in mass suggesting ASR occurring. Reductions in compressive strengths were found at lower replacement levels. At higher replacement levels, increases in compressive strengths were found, suggesting the possibility of increased pozzolanic reaction of the PFA due to the high alkalinity.