Evaluation of the Prediction and Durability on the Chloride Penetration in Cementitious Materials with Blast Furnace Slag as Cement Addition

Abstract

Blast furnace slag (BFS) is a mortar additive in which the utilization of varied curing conditions and the basicity of BFS determine the fineness of the resulting mortar and, thereby, its salt prevention properties. This study evaluates and compares the salt-prevention properties of mortar prepared by either steam curing or water curing. The physical properties, for example, the BFS fineness, revealed the factors significantly affected by basicity that influence the salt-preventive properties of mortar in the specimens examined, such as the lead time and diffusion coefficient. Furthermore, these factors were also significantly affected by differences in curing conditions and other physical properties. However, few studies have examined its use in reducing chloride ion permeability as the main factor of corrosion reactions. Thus, this study evaluates specific surface, water/binder ratio (W/B), and curing conditions on the chloride penetration in cementitious materials with blast furnace slag as cement addition in terms of delaying chloride ion penetration, which affects corrosion reactions. Results of the study are intended to guide development of products for use in the precast concrete industry, toward extending the life of concrete structures, especially reinforced concrete structures in marine environments. In addition, the resulting durability measurements from the experiment conducted are illustrated. This study indicates that differences in Blaine size properties significantly influence water curing. Furthermore, results reveal the effects of combining BFS with various Blaine values and ratio-affecting properties on mortar. In conclusion, concrete materials that decrease durability against chloride attack and improve mechanical properties for precast manufacturer industrial applications are successfully developed in this study. In addition, the use of water-curing conditions, high Blaine value, high cement replacement ratio, and W/B tend to improve the general mechanical property performance and durability against chloride ion attack.