Durability of self-compacting concrete containing pumice and zeolite against acid attack, carbonation and marine environment

Due to their fluidity and simplicity of use, self-compacting concretes (SCCs) have undeniable advantages. Since the study on the behavior of SCC containing pumice or zeolite with respect to aggressive media as acid attack and carbonation is very rare in literature, the purpose of this study is to focus on this subject. In this study, the influence of the partial substitution of 10% and 15% of Portland cement by pumice and zeolite admixtures on the fresh state, compressive strength of self-compacting concrete (SCC) is investigated. For durability, resistance to acid attack, carbonation and marine environment is studied. The results show different behaviors depending on the nature of the pozzolan. SCCs containing pumice exhibit a compressive strength at least equal to that of control concrete at early ages and higher than the ones of the control mix at long term ages. In contrast, SCC based on zeolite has a lower resistance compared to the control concrete due to the presence of a large porosity formed during the preparation of the mixture. This study shows and quantifies the positive effect of the partial substitution of Portland cement by 10% and 15% of pumice and 15% of zeolite on improving chemical resistance in acid attack. The carbonation study showed a lower resistance of SCCs containing pozzolan, this effect is more important for SCC with zeolite. Additional studies on the formulation and the properties at the fresh state of concrete containing zeolite in order to improve the mechanical strength will surely make it possible to obtain better performance and thus better profits from this natural pozzolan. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.