Compressive behavior and microstructure of concrete mixed with natural seawater and sea sand

Abstract

Noncorrosive reinforcement materials facilitate producing structural concrete with seawater and sea sand. This study investigated the properties of seawater and sea sand concrete (SSC), considering the curing age (3, 7, 14, 21, 28, 60, and 150 d) and strength grade (C30, C40, and C60). The compressive behavior of SSC was obtained by compressive tests and digital image correction (DIC) technique. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) methods were applied to understand the microstructure and hydration products of cement in SSC. Results revealed a 30% decrease in compressive strength for C30 and C40 SSC from 60 to 150 d, and a less than 5% decrease for C60 from 28 to 150 d. DIC results revealed significant cracking and crushing from 80% to 100% of compressive strength. SEM images showed a more compact microstructure in higher strength SSC. XRD patterns identified Friedel’s salt phase due to the chlorides brought by seawater and sea sand. The findings in this study can provide more insights into the microstructure of SSC along with its short- and long-term compressive behavior.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

seawater and sea sand concrete / compressive strength / strain field / microstructure / hydration products

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like to gratefully acknowledge the research grants from the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (No. 2020M681390), and the Natural Science Foundation of the Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions of China (Nos. 20KJB560020 and 19KJB560010).

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