Sustainable concrete: integrating environmentally friendly materials for environmentally friendly construction

ABSTRACT This study investigates the performance of Portland Slag Cement (PSC) concrete under different curing conditions, including normal curing and aggressive acid environments (hydrochloric and sulfuric acid), with and without the use of admixtures. The concrete mixes were evaluated for key properties such as compressive strength, saturated water absorption, effective porosity, resistance to acid and sulfate attacks, and chloride ion permeability. The results demonstrated that the inclusion of admixtures significantly enhanced the compressive strength, reducing water absorption and effective porosity, thus improving the overall density and durability of the concrete. At 28 days, the compressive strength of the concrete with admixtures was 29.18 MPa, compared to 26.77 MPa for conventional concrete. The admixtures also improved the resistance to sulfuric acid and sulfate attacks, as evidenced by reduced weight loss and strength loss compared to mixes without admixtures. Additionally, the RCPT results showed lower chloride ion permeability in mixes with admixtures, indicating enhanced durability against chloride-induced corrosion. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of using admixtures in Portland Slag Cement concrete for improving durability and performance under aggressive environmental conditions.