Performance of different types of cements in marine environment

This study presents the performance of different kinds of cements in extreme marine environment. An experimental study was conducted for this purpose in which mortar cubes of different cements including OPC, Slag cement and Blended cements (varying percentages of 10%, 20%, 30% Fly ash and 10%, 20%, 30% Silica fume) were cast. Compressive strength of each was measured at 7 days and 28 days initially. Samples were then immersed in sea water for 180 days to observe the impact of marine environment. OPC samples showed the highest compressive strength initially but after 180 days of marine exposure, strength degradation was observed and reduction was more as compared to all blended cement samples except for Fly ash 30% samples. Increased percentages of Fly ash and Silica fume resulted in reduction in strength as well as reduced resistance to aggressive chemical attack. Results were found to be in close agreement with the data available in literature