Effect of fly ash and silica fume on the abrasion resistance of concrete in marine environment

Abstract

Cement, as a concrete-forming material, is a contributor to CO2 emissions around the world. One technique to make concrete green without sacrificing quality is to use less cement and substitute ingredients like fly ash and silica fume. A durable concrete material is required since the marine environment's concrete is frequently harmed by harsh environmental elements, such as abrasion by waves and ocean currents. This study aimed to examine the impact of different substitutions for additional materials on concrete's compressive strength and mass loss due to abrasion. The test object is thereafter partially submerged in freshwater and seawater. Furthermore, the specimens underwent laboratory testing to get specific performance metrics including compressive strength and abrasion coefficient. The strength value for the test object treated with freshwater or seawater has exceeded the compressive design strength of 30 MPa, according to an analysis of the compressive strength test findings. Testing for abrasion on the specimens resulted in substituting additive materials in the optimal amount for the concrete, which can reduce mass loss due to abrasion. According to the overall results of concrete testing, which are influenced by seawater, fly ash substitution improves concrete's compressive strength and resistance to abrasion. In contrast, the values of compressive strength and abrasion in silica fume concrete with replacement variations of 5%, 7%, and 10% have a value equivalent to the required accomplishments.