Mechanical Properties of Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC) Exposed to Acidic Solutions

Abstract

This research work includes an experimental investigation to study the mechanical properties of reactive powder concrete (RPC) exposed to acidic solutions. A comparative study was conducted on concrete mixes, control mix without exposure and mixes exposed to acidic solutions. RPC was exposed to two acids (Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid) with concentration of (1.0)% for each acid. The acidic solutions were used to study acidic rain effect and durability of RPC. Compressive strength test was used to study the effect of acid rain on RPC after exposure to the acid in a duration (48) hours. This exposure was done: after demolding and after (3 and 7) days curing. The maximum loss in compressive strength for Sulfuric acid and Nitric acid was (11.7 and 19.7)% respectively for after demolding exposure as compared with the control mix. For durability of RPC the specimens exposed to acidic solutions tested in duration (40, 50, and 60) days, to determine the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural tensile strength, and weight loss. Test results showed that RPC resistance to Sulfuric acid more than Nitric acid. The maximum loss in compressive strength, and loss in weight were (6.20 and 2.69)% in Sulfuric acid and (22.60 and 1.32)% in Nitric acid environment respectively at (60) days as compared with the control mix. The loss in splitting tensile strength and flexural tensile strength were (17.1 and 13.3)% for Sulfuric acid and (25.7 and 25.0)% for Nitric acid exposure respectively at (40) days as compared with the control mix.

Keywords

• Reactive Powder Concrete (RPC)
• Acidic solutions
• Durability
• Acidic rain
• Loss in weight