LAUSR

This study aims to investigate the performance of alkali-activated slag concrete (AASC) and conventional concrete (CC) against sulphuric acid attack. From the preliminary investigations conducted on 18 trial mixes of AASC, four AASC mixes (S–0.4–2.33–16M, S–0.5–2.33–12M, S–0.5–1.0–12M and S–0.5–2.33–16M) apart from CC mix are considered in this study. Concrete specimens of size 100 mm have been cast and cured under two curing regimes, namely ambient curing and heat curing. The specimens under heat curing are kept at a temperature of 60 °C for a period of 24 h. The CC and AASC specimens are exposed to sulphuric acid solution of 2.5, 5 and 10% concentrations for different immersion periods of 56, 91 and 180 days. The parameters that are examined in this study are weight change, depth of penetration and residual compressive strength apart from changes observed in visual appearance. The test results show that on exposure to sulphuric acid solution of 2.5, 5 and 10% concentrations, weight loss and penetration depth of AASC specimens are significantly less than those of CC specimens. The residual compressive strength is more for AASC specimens compared to CC specimens. Out of four AASC mixes considered, S–0.5–2.33–12M mix exhibits better performance against acid attack.