Improvement of the durability of concrete by substitution of raw ground colemanite

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of raw ground colemanite (GC) mineral on concrete strength and durability. Concrete mixtures were prepared at six replacement levels of GC (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%, by weight of cement). Fresh state properties of concrete samples were measured. Schmidt Hammer, ultrasound pulse velocity, abrasion, flexural, and compressive strength tests were performed on the cube, cylinder and prismatic concrete samples on the 7th, 28th, and 90th days. As concrete durability has a negative impact on many physical and chemical factors, the durability properties of the samples after wet-dry, freeze-thaw, sulphate, and chloride exposure were investigated, resulting in the finding that GC substitution up to 5% yields the desired compressive strength for the C30/37 concrete class. The optimal GC substitution ratio was determined to be 3%, as this ratio increases the strength and durability probabilities. It was decided that raw GC mineral substitution with an average particle size of 12 µm and increasing adhesion force in concrete production is convenient, particularly in the context of improving material properties against environmental circumstances, saving cement, and utilizing boron minerals.