The Effect of Magnetized Water on the Fresh and Hardened Properties of Slag/Fly Ash-Based Cementitious Composites

Abstract

The physicochemical structure of the mixing water used in concrete has a significant effect on the physical and mechanical properties of cementitious composites. The studies on the effect of magnetized water (MW) on the properties of FA/BFS-based cementitious composites are still in their infancy. This study explores the effect of MW on the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash (FA)/blast furnace slag (BFS)-based cementitious composites. A total of 22 different mixture groups having FA/BFS (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25%) by weight of cement were produced using tap water (TW) and MW. The fresh-state properties (the initial and final setting times and the consistency) and hardened-state properties (the compressive strength, water absorption properties, and rapid chloride ion permeability test) of produced cementitious composites were investigated. The development of hydration products was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) test. The results reveal that the fresh- and hardened-state properties of cementitious composite samples produced with MW are significantly improved. The properties of the samples utilizing MW showed that FA and BFS could be used at a higher rate for the same target properties in cementitious composites by using MW as mixing water. Using up to 25% FA/BFS in cementitious composites prepared with MW is recommended.