Influence of locally available cement types on mechanical strength and durability performance of concrete

Abstract

This research is planned to figure out the effect of different cement types on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. Four types of cement are commonly used in Bangladesh's rapidly growing construction sector.So, it is very essential to determine the specific type of cement that will be efficient considering its strength, economic, and durability aspects. Four types of cement [CEM I, CEM II/(A-M/S-V-L), CEM II/(B-M/S-V-L), CEM II/(B-L)] commonly used in Bangladesh have been considered in this study. Their usage has recently been on the increase as with the vast infrastructure development. The production of CEM I, namely (OPC), decreases due to the concern over CO2 emissions. A specific portion of clinker in the cement content is substituted with mineral additions such as limestone, fly ash, and slag, resulting in CEM II types, and thereby,the cost is reduced. This comprehensive experimental study includes the determination of mechanical properties such as concrete compressive strength, tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity using four types of cement and four different w/c ratios (0.40,0.45,0.55,0.65). This results in sixteen concrete mixes, and obtained results are compared to one another. In addition, the durability property in terms of the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) for different mixes has been evaluated to assess the suitable cement for concrete production. From the test results, it is observed that the generalized pattern for compressive strength of the considered four different cement concrete is CEM Ⅰ>CEM Ⅱ/(A-M)> CEM Ⅱ/ (B-L)> CEM Ⅱ/(B-M). Concrete made with CEM-I cement shows a 20% enhancement in compressive strength in comparison to CEM II/B-M having a w/c ratio of 0.40. This increase is 50% when the w/c ratio is considered 0.65. Concrete made with CEM II/B-L cement shows a higher corrosion potential while CEM I result moderate and CEM II/A-M and CEM II/B-M provide lower corrosion potential for the considered mixes. Materials cost for concrete result in comparable amount with CEM I on the higher side and CEM II/B-M on the lower side. The obtained results show that CEM II/A-M may be considered anefficient cement type in concrete in terms of cost, compressive strength, and durability. However, the scope of this study is limited to the results of the considered 16 concrete mixes with the considered cement types.