COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH ANALYSIS FOR REGULAR AND INNOVATIVE CONCRETE EXPOSED TO MARINE ENVIRONMENT

This study investigated the effect of marine environment on compressive strengths of Broken Ceramic Concrete (BCAC), Washed Gravel Aggregate Concrete (WGAC), and Regular Aggregate Concrete (RAC).Three concrete mixes were designed based on aggregate variations and tested for compressive strengths in marine environment. The mixes were labelled Broken Ceramic Aggregate Concrete (BCAC), Washed Gravel Aggregate Concrete (WGAC), and Regular Aggregate Concrete (RAC). The batching for all the mixes were in ratio; 1 part for cement, 1 part for fine aggregate and 2 parts for coarse aggregate by weight with water cement ratio of 0.50. Materials used for BCAC are broken ceramic as coarse aggregates, local sand as fine aggregates and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) as binder. WGAC contained washed gravel, stone dust and OPC. RAC contained granite, local sand and OPC. A total of 64 concrete cubes of sizes 150 x 150 x 150mm were cast. The samples were exposed to marine and non-marine conditions. Exposure of concrete samples to marine environment was simulated by curing or submerging them in seawater collected from Lagos end of the Atlantic Ocean. They were tested for compressive strengths after 7 days, 14 days, 21 days and 28 days. Result shows that Compressive strength of concrete reduces with exposure to marine environment. Marine condition slows than concrete strength development. Compared to BCAC and WGAC, the RAC develops the highest resistance to marine condition in terms of compressive strength. At marine condition BCAC as a substitute for medium strength concrete in marine environment. At marine condition WGAC exhibit 96.7% of the standard compressive strength for medium strength regular concrete (Grade C20/25), it therefore has potential for application in marine environment. The findings of this study indicate potential applicability of innovative concrete mixes as alternatives to some grades of the regular concrete.