Hindawi

Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Volume 2017, Article ID 9454982, 14 pages
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9454982

Research Article
Comparative Study of Strength and Corrosion Resistant
Properties of Plain and Blended Cement Concrete Types

Velu Saraswathy,1,2 Subbiah Karthick,1,3 Han Seung Lee,1

Seung-Jun Kwon,4 and Hyun-Min Yang1
1
Department of Architectural Engineering, Hanyang University, 1271 Sa 3-dong, Sangrok-gu, Ansan 426791, Republic of Korea
2
Corrosion and Materials Protection Division, CSIR-Central Electrochemical Research Institute, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu 630003, India
3
PG and Research Department of Chemistry, Alagappa Government Arts College, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu 630003, India
4
Department of Civil Engineering, Hannam University, Daejeon 306-791, Republic of Korea

Correspondence should be addressed to Seung-Jun Kwon; [email protected]

Received 29 May 2017; Accepted 31 July 2017; Published 4 October 2017

Academic Editor: Michael J. Schütze

Copyright © 2017 Velu Saraswathy et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

The relative performances of mechanical, permeability, and corrosion resistance properties of different concrete types were
compared. Concrete types were made from ordinary Portland cement (OPC), Portland pozzolana cement (PPC), and Portland slag
cement (PSC). Compressive strength test, effective porosity test, coefficient of water absorption, short-term accelerated impressed
voltage test, and rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) were conducted on M30 and M40 grades of concrete designed with OPC,
PPC, and PSC cements for 28- and 90-day cured concrete types. Long-term studies such as microcell and electrochemical evaluation
were carried out to understand the corrosion behaviour of rebar embedded in different concrete types. Better corrosion resistant
properties were observed for PSC concrete by showing a minimum current flow, lowest free chloride contents, and lesser porosity.
Besides, PSC concrete has shown less coefficient of water absorption, chloride diffusion coefficient (CDC), and lower corrosion rate
and thereby the time taken for initiation of crack extended.

1. Introduction Hence, to enhance the durability of the structures, waste

materials like fly ash, rice husk ash, slag, and other pozzolanic
Reinforced concrete is protected from corrosion due to the materials are being used in the construction industry, not
high alkalinity existing in the concrete environment and only from the durability point of view, but also to reduce the
the cover concrete which acts as a protective barrier to the greenhouse gas emission and to save the environment [5].
access of chloride ions. Apart from this, reinforced concrete The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) and
structures when exposed to severe marine environments lead their effectiveness in making the blended cement concrete
to the premature failure of the structures [1]. Corrosion of are well debated in the literature [6–12]. The composition of
embedded steel in concrete is one of the major causes of SCM may vary from source to source from which they are
premature deterioration of concrete structures which affects collected, because the nature of the source depends upon the
the service life of the important structures in the chloride raw materials used for making the manufacturing process and
prone environment [2]. Therefore, the chloride permeability the geographical conditions [13].
plays a significant role in determining the service life of the Curing plays a major role in affecting the strength
major infrastructures [3]. Due to the heterogeneous nature and permeability characteristics of the concrete structures.
of the concrete, chloride ions enter the pores and attack the Mainly while using supplementary cementitious materials,
embedded steel in concrete causing cracking and spalling care should be taken for continuous curing of the structures
of the cover concrete portion and exposing the steel rein- in the initial stages since hydration reactions are slow in using
forcement when it is exposed to the marine environment [4]. pozzolanic materials. The other factors which influence the
2 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

strength characteristics are fineness modulus, water-cement 100 mm

ratio (w/c), chemical composition, and so on [14, 15]. Many Sides sealed
researchers have discussed the different types of curing, with epoxy resin
pore structure refinement, and permeability characteristics of

100 mm
Concrete
blended cements by using fly ash, slag, silica fume, and so specimen
on [16–19]. The results indicated that blended cement with
longer duration has shown strength and other properties
5 mm
equal to those of ordinary Portland cement. It is also reported
that blended cements enhanced the workability, durability,
and mechanical properties of the concrete [20–24]. So far, the
studies have focused on the particular aspect of corrosion like Shallow pan of water
permeability, pore structure, chloride ingress, or physical and Figure 1: Schematic of coefficient of water absorption test.
chemical characteristics by either short-term or long-term
studies.
Hence, the aim of the present investigation is to evaluate were removed from the mould and subjected to water curing
the corrosion resistant properties of rich and lean mix for 28 and 90 days. After a specified period of curing, the
concrete made from Portland pozzolana cement (PPC) and specimens were tested for compressive strength using AIMIL
Portland slag cement (PSC) under accelerated and nor- compression testing machine of 2000 kN capacity at a rate
mal exposure conditions. The results were compared with of loading of 210 kN/min. The tests were carried out on six
ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete. Further, in this specimens and the average compressive strength values were
investigation, two curing periods, two grades of concrete, recorded for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types.
and two different exposure conditions, namely, normal and
accelerated exposure conditions, were carried out. In addition 2.2.2. Effective Porosity Test. Percentage of water absorption
to these, short-term and long-term tests, porosity and perme- is a measure of the pore volume or porosity in hardened
ability studies, and mechanical and electrochemical studies concrete, which is occupied by water in saturated condition.
were also carried out for plain and blended cements, and the Water absorption test was carried out as per ASTM C642-97
results were presented in a detailed manner. [29]. The effective porosity for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete
types is calculated as follows:
2. Experimental
(𝐵 − 𝐴)
Effective porosity (%) = × 100, (1)
2.1. Materials and Mix Proportions. Two mix proportions 𝑉
having characteristic compressive strength of 30 and 40 where 𝐴 is mass of oven dried sample in air, 𝐵 is saturated
MPa concrete types were used for casting the concrete mass of the surface dry sample in air after immersion, and 𝑉
specimens. The details of concrete mix proportions are given is bulk volume of the sample.
in Table 1. Three cements, namely, 43 grade ordinary Portland
cement conforming to IS:8112 [25] (equivalent to ASTM-
Type I cement), Portland pozzolana cement conforming to 2.2.3. Coefficient of Water Absorption. Coefficient of water
IS:1489–Part-I [26], and Portland slag cement conforming absorption is suggested as a measure of permeability of water.
to IS:455 [27], were used. Chemical composition of cements This is measured by the rate of uptake of water by dry concrete
used is given in Table 2. Graded river sand passing through over a period of 1 h. The concrete cube specimens of 100 ×
1.18 mm sieve with a fineness modulus of 2.85 and a specific 100 × 100 mm were preconditioned by drying in an oven at
gravity of 2.55 was used as fine aggregate. Locally available 105∘ C for 48 hrs until constant weight was reached and then
well graded aggregates of normal size greater than 4.75 mm allowed to cool in an airtight sealed container for 3 days. The
and less than 20 mm having a fineness modulus of 2.72 sides of the concrete samples were coated with transparent
were used as coarse aggregates. The specific gravity of the epoxy resin to allow the flow of water in unidirection.
fine aggregate used was 2.78. Thermomechanically treated Then the samples were kept in a vertical position partially
(TMT) rebar (Fe-415 grade) of 12 mm diameter conforming immersed up to a depth of 5 mm at one end while the rest
to IS:1786 [28] was used. Potable water was used for casting of the portions were kept exposed to the atmosphere as
the concrete. shown in Figure 1. The quantity of water absorbed during the
first 60 min was calculated. Coefficients of water absorption
values for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete specimens after 28
2.2. Methods and 90 days of moisture curing were determined using the
formula [29]
2.2.1. Compressive Strength. Compressive strength test was
carried out in concrete cubes of size 150 × 150 × 150 mm 𝑄 2 1
using 1 : 1.8 : 3.69 mix with w/c ratio of 0.55 (M30 grade) and 𝐾𝑎 = ( ) × , (2)
𝐴 𝑡
1 : 1.18 : 3.36 with w/c ratio 0.45 (M40 grade) using OPC and
blended cements (PPC and PSC). During casting, the moulds where 𝐾𝑎 is the coefficient of water absorption (m2 s−1 ), 𝑄 is
were mechanically vibrated. After 24 hours, the specimens the quantity of water absorbed (m3 ) by the oven dry specimen
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 3

Table 1: Details of concrete mix proportions.

Fine Coarse
Grade Type of cement W/C ratio Cement Water
aggregate aggregate
(kg m−3 ) (kg m−3 )
(kg m−3 ) (kg m−3 )
OPC 0.55 338 607 1247 186
M30 PPC 0.55 338 607 1247 186
PSC 0.55 338 607 1247 186
OPC 0.45 400 472 1247 180
M40 PPC 0.45 400 472 1247 180
PSC 0.45 400 472 1247 180

Table 2: Chemical composition of cements. where 𝑊 is the weight loss in milligram, 𝐷 is the density of
the material used, g/cc, 𝐴 is the area of the specimen (cm2 ),
Weight/(%)
Constituent and 𝑇 is the duration of the test period in hours.
OPC PPC PSC
SiO2 21.0 32.0 31.0
2.2.5. Rapid Chloride Ion Permeability Test (RCPT). The
Al2 O3 5.50 10.0 10.5
resistance to chloride ion penetration in terms of total charge
Fe2 O3 4.60 5.50 2.80 that passed in coulombs through OPC and blended concrete
CaO 63.0 44.0 47.0 specimens after 28 and 90 days of moisture curing was
MgO 0.60 1.50 3.90 measured as per ASTM C1202-12 [32]. A concrete disc of size
SO3 2.60 2.60 2.60 100 mm diameter and 50 mm thickness was cast and allowed
LOI 2.70 4.40 2.70 to cure for 28 and 90 days. Then the concrete specimens were
subjected to the RCPT by impressing 60 V between two TSIA
electrodes. Two halves of the specimens were sealed with
in time (𝑡), 𝑡 is 3600 s, and 𝐴 is the surface area (m2 ) of PVC container of 95 mm diameter. One side of the container
concrete specimen through which water penetrates. is filled with 3% NaCl solution (that side of the cell will be
connected to the negative terminal of the power supply); the
2.2.4. Impressed Voltage Test. Cylindrical concrete specimens other side is filled with 0.3 N NaOH solution (which will
of size 50 mm diameter and 100 mm height were cast using be connected to the positive terminal of the power supply).
M30 and M40 grades of concrete types. Rebar types of 12 mm Current flow is measured at every 30 min up to 6 h. From the
diameter and 100 mm height were embedded centrally into results, using the current and time, chloride permeability is
the concrete specimens. During casting, the moulds were calculated in terms of coulombs at the end of 6 h.
mechanically vibrated. After 24 h, the cylindrical concrete
specimens were demoulded and cured for 28 and 90 days. 2.2.6. Chloride Diffusion Coefficient. The amount of chloride
Then the specimens were subjected to impressed voltage test. ion migrating through the concrete specimens after 28 and
In this technique, the concrete specimens were immersed in 90 days of curing was monitored by removing small amount
5% NaCl solution and embedded steel in concrete is made of solution and determining the chloride concentration of
as anode with respect to an external stainless steel electrode these samples after 120 h. Chloride diffusion coefficients were
serving as the cathode by applying a constant positive poten- calculated using Nernst–Einstein equation [33].
tial of 12 V to the system from a DC source. The variation
of current is recorded with time. For each specimen, the 𝐽𝑅𝑇𝐿
𝐷= , (4)
time taken for initial crack and the corresponding maximum 𝑍𝐹𝐶0 𝐸
anodic current flow was recorded [30].
At the end of the 12 V impressed voltage test, the embed- where 𝐷 is the chloride diffusion coefficient (cm2 /s), 𝐽 is
ded steel specimens were broken and the sections were open, the flux of chloride ions (mol/cm2 s), 𝑅 is the gas constant
cleaned in pickling solution (concentrated HCl containing (8.314 J/K mol), 𝑇 is the absolute temperature (300 K), 𝐿 is the
20 g/L of stannous chloride and 15 g/L of antimony trioxide), thickness of the specimen (cm), 𝑍 is the valiancy of chloride
then cleaned in distilled water, dried, and weighed as per ion (𝑍 = 1), 𝐹 is the Faradays constant (9.648 × 104 J/V mol),
ASTM G1-03 [31]. From the initial weight, the loss in weight 𝐶0 is the initial chloride ion concentration (mol/l), and 𝐸 is
of embedded steel due to accelerated corrosion in OPC, PPC, the applied potential (60 V).
and PSC concrete types was calculated. From the weight
loss data, corrosion rate in mmpy was calculated using the 2.2.7. Potentiodynamic Polarization Method. Concrete cubes
following equation [2]: of size 100 × 100 × 100 mm that were cast with TMT rebar
of 12 mm diameter and 75 mm length (two rebar types)
𝑊 were embedded at a cover depth of 25 mm as shown in
Corrosion rate = 87.6 × ( ), (3)
𝐷×𝐴×𝑇 Figure 2. The cubes were cast for OPC, PPC, and PSC with
4 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

consists of 15 days of wetting in 3% NaCl and 15 days of

Connection wire
drying in open atmosphere. Measurements were carried out
during the wetting cycle (15th day) as macrocell current
12 mm dia.
rebar showed maximum magnitude due to the low resistivity of
the concrete. All the concrete specimens were subjected to 24
25 mm cover complete cycles of exposure period.
25 mm cover
Concrete
mm 3. Results and Discussion
100 mm 100

Figure 2: Schematic representation of concrete cube specimen used

3.1. Compressive Strength. The compressive strength of OPC,
for potentiodynamic polarization and AC-impedance study. PPC, and PSC concrete types after 28 and 90 days of curing
for M30 and M40 grades of concrete are given in Figures 4
and 5, respectively.
M30 and M40 grade concrete and allowed to cure for 90 It was found from Figure 4 that, in M30 grade concrete,
days. After 90-day curing the specimens were exposed to the 28-day strength obtained was 37 MPa, 35.5 MPa, and
the open atmosphere under natural weathering conditions. 32.9 MPa for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types, respectively.
After two years of exposure, the embedded rebar types in the There was a slight increase in the 90-day compressive strength
concrete cube specimens were subjected to potentiodynamic values such as 40 MPa for OPC, 39 MPa for PPC, and
polarization technique using the three-electrode assembly. 36.9 MPa for PSC, respectively.
The rebar embedded in concrete cube acts as a working On the other hand, in M40 grade concrete (Figure 5)
electrode, stainless steel electrode acts as a counter electrode, the 28-day strength obtained was 43.7 MPa, 41.2 MPa, and
and Saturated Calomel Electrode (SCE) acts as a reference
43.2 MPa for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types, respectively.
electrode. From the polarization technique, the corrosion
kinetic parameters such as corrosion current (𝐼corr ), corro- There was a slight increase in the 90-day compressive strength
sion potential (𝐸corr ), cathodic Tafel slope (𝑏𝑐 ), and anodic values such as 47.7 MPa for OPC, 44.3 MPa for PPC, and
Tafel slope (𝑏𝑎 ) were obtained. Both cathodic and anodic 46.8 MPa for PSC, respectively.
polarization curves were recorded potentiodynamically using The magnitude of increase in compressive strength from
ACM Instruments, UK. The potentiodynamic conditions 28 days to 90 days was found to be similar in M30 grade and
correspond to a potential sweep rate of 0.1 mVmin−1 and M40 grade concrete types. Comparable compressive strength
potential ranges of +0.2 V to −0.2 V versus SCE from the OCP. values were obtained for PPC and PSC concrete types when
All the experiments were carried out at the temperature of compared with OPC concrete.
32 ± 1∘ C.
3.2. Effective Porosity and Coefficient of Water Absorption.
2.2.8. AC-Impedance Measurement. The same cube speci- Effective porosity and coefficient of water absorption values
mens mentioned above were subjected to AC-impedance
calculated for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types at 28- and
measurements. The real part (𝑍󸀠 ) and the imaginary part
90-day cured specimens were reported in Table 3. It was
(−𝑍󸀠󸀠 ) of the cell impedance were measured for various
frequencies (30 kHz to 0.01 Hz). Plots of 𝑍󸀠 versus −𝑍󸀠󸀠 were observed that both 28- and 90-day cured M30 and M40 grade
made. The same experimental setup was used here also. concrete types showed the effective porosity and coefficient of
water absorption in the decreasing order as follows: OPC >
2.2.9. Macrocell Corrosion Studies. A rectangular concrete PPC > PSC.
(M40 grade) specimen of size 279 mm × 152 mm × 114 mm Among the three types of concrete used, PSC concrete
was designed as per ASTM G 109-07 [34] for macrocell showed least pores and lower coefficient of water absorption.
corrosion studies. TMT rebar of 12 mm diameter and 300 mm The same trend is observed in both 28- and 90-day cured
length was used as both anode and cathode in the same con- M30 and M40 grade concrete types. For example, in the
crete. The top mat of rebar acts as the anode and the bottom case of PSC, 0.71 × 10−7 m2 s−1 and 0.62 × 10−7 m2 s−1 are the
mat of rebar acts as cathode. The anode to cathode area ratio coefficient of water absorption values obtained for 28-day
was maintained as 1 : 2 to induce accelerated corrosion of the cured M30 and M40 grade concrete, respectively. Similarly,
embedded anode. The configuration of macrocell specimen for M30 and M40 grade concrete types the coefficient of
is given in Figure 3. In both the anode and cathode 250 mm
water absorption values obtained were 0.40 × 10−7 m2 s−1 and
length was embedded inside the concrete and the remaining
length was used for taking electrical connections with proper 0.15 × 10−7 m2 s−1 for 90-day cured concrete, respectively.
insulations. The observed values of coefficient of water absorption was
The specimens were mechanically vibrated. After 24 attributed to the impermeability nature of the pore structure
hours of setting, the specimens were demoulded and cured refinement in PPC and PSC concrete types. The improvement
in distilled water for 90 days. Then the specimens were in the permeability characteristics of PPC and PSC is due to
subjected to alternate wetting and drying cycles. One cycle the secondary hydration reaction.
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 5

3% NaCl

PVC sheet

Anode 12 mm dia.
rebar
20 mm
152 mm

V
25 mm
279 mm 114 mm
75 mm
Sealed with
75 mm epoxy Cathode 12 mm dia.
rebar
20 mm

107 mm
152 mm

25 mm

114 mm
Figure 3: Schematic view of macrocell specimen.

Table 3: Permeability parameters for OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 and M40 grade concrete types.

Coefficient of water
Effective porosity/(%)
Grade Type of cement absorption/(m2 s−1 ) × 10−7
28 days 90 days 28 days 90 days
OPC 15.15 10.72 3.20 2.30
M30 PPC 14.28 9.62 2.50 2.00
PSC 12.61 9.57 0.71 0.40
OPC 13.28 9.43 3.00 1.90
M40 PPC 12.42 6.79 2.90 1.10
PSC 10.61 6.32 0.62 0.15

In general, the primary hydration reaction in concrete is types under 28 and 90 days of curing time were given in
as follows: Table 4. In M30 grade concrete, the maximum anodic current
2 (3CaO ⋅ SiO2 ) + 6H2 O flow measured was found to be 77, 65, and 43 mA for OPC,
(5) PPC, and PSC concrete types, respectively, at 28-day cured
󳨀→ 3CaO ⋅ 2SiO2 ⋅ 3H2 O + 3Ca (OH)2 specimens. The corresponding reduction in current flow was
observed as 15.6% for PPC and 44.2% for PSC when com-
But, in PPC and PSC concrete types, the additional secondary pared to OPC. These results clearly indicated that blended
hydration reaction is cements, namely, PPC and PSC, considerably decreased the
3Ca (OH)2 + 2SiO2 + H2 O 󳨀→ 3CaO ⋅ 2SiO2 ⋅ 3H2 O (6) anodic current flow. Similar trend was observed in M40 grade
concrete. Among the three concrete types, the maximum
In PPC and PSC concrete types, the Ca(OH)2 content reduction in current flow was observed for PSC concrete. The
reduction is due to the secondary hydration reaction. During reason is that PSC cement consists of higher amount of Al2 O3
the hydration in PPC, lime is consumed but in OPC lime (10.5%) when compared to OPC (5.5%) and PPC (10%),
is produced. This is the main advantage of using blended which interacted with Ca(OH)2 and favoured more C3 A and
cements to decrease the permeability of the concrete thereby C-S-H gel. The formation of such compounds reduced the
increasing the corrosion resistance properties [35]. micro- and macropores present in the concrete and this is
due to the refinement of the microstructure, considerably
3.3. Impressed Voltage Test. The impressed voltage parame- reducing the current flow [36]. After 90 days of curing, OPC,
ters of M30 and M40 grades of OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete PPC, and PSC concrete types showed only a slight decrease
6 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Table 4: Impressed voltage parameters for rebar in OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 and M40 grade concrete types.

Maximum Time to Free chloride Reduction in

Grade and type (%) Weight loss
anodic current cracking contents corrosion
of cement reduction (mg)
(mA) (days) (ppm) rate (%)
28-day cured concrete specimens
OPC M30 77 — 07 4680 44.3210 —
PPC M30 65 15.6 08 3560 25.3120 42.9
PSC M30 43 44.2 10 3253 7.9140 82.1
OPC M40 72 — 10 3789 35.3020 —
PPC M40 56 22.2 12 3420 14.1410 59.7
PSC M40 39 45.8 14 3200 2.4650 93.0
90-day cured concrete specimens
OPC M30 74 — 08 4200 33.5780 —
PPC M30 58 21.62 09 3165 12.2290 63.6
PSC M30 43 41.89 11 2880 1.7030 94.9
OPC M40 60 — 14 3040 23.4530 —
PPC M40 43 28.30 18 2840 11.9420 49.0
PSC M40 26 56.66 20 2640 1.1470 95.1

60 60

50 50
Compressive strength (MPa)

Compressive strength (MPa)

40 40

30 30

20 20

10 10

0 0
OPC PPC PSC OPC PPC PSC
Types of cement Types of cement
28 days 28 days
90 days 90 days

Figure 4: Comparison of compressive strength of M30 grade OPC, Figure 5: Comparison of compressive strength of M40 grade OPC,
PPC, and PSC concrete types. PPC, and PSC concrete types.

in the magnitude of current flow in both M30 and M40 grade

concrete types. The percentage reduction in the current flow Among the three concrete types, PSC concrete in M30
was 41.89% and 56.66% for PSC system at 28 and 90 days and M40 grades, 28- as well as 90-day cured specimens
of curing period. These data confirmed the impermeability showed the longest time taken for initial crack. For example,
nature of blended cement concrete types. for 28-day cured M30 and M40 concrete, time taken for initial
crack observed was at 10 and 14 days, respectively. Similar
3.3.1. Time Taken for Initial Crack. The time taken for initial trend was observed for 90-day cured concrete.
crack measured for 28- and 90-day cured OPC, PPC, and The better performance of PSC is due to the following rea-
PSC concrete types was given in Table 4. The results indicated son. Aluminate phase is the most responsible one for binding
that both 28- and 90-day cured M30 and M40 grade concrete
the chlorides into complex forms. Fixing of chloride in con-
types showed the following order with respect to time taken
for initial crack. crete by the formation of complex aluminate phases has been
reported by Karthick et al. [37]. About 50% to 80% of chloride
OPC < PPC < PSC. (7) ions are bound by aluminate phases by the action of calcium
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 7

0.016 M40 grade concrete. PPC and PSC concrete types showed 1.7
times and 3 times reduction in corrosion rate when compared
0.014
to OPC concrete.
Corrosion rate (mmpy)

0.012 The corrosion rate values calculated for 90 days cured

M30 OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types were found to be
0.010 0.0110, 0.0060, and 0.0035 mmpy, respectively. These results
0.008 showed that blended cements, namely, PPC and PSC, consid-
erably decreased the corrosion rate of embedded steel by 2
0.006 and 3 times, respectively. A similar trend was also observed
in M40 grade concrete. PPC and PSC concrete types showed
0.004
2.2 and 3.3 times reduction in corrosion rate when compared
OPC PPC PSC to OPC concrete.
For reinforcement corrosion to occur, a critical quantity
M30
of chloride is required at the steel/concrete interface. In OPC,
M40
the critical chloride is reached in a very short time, whereas it
Figure 6: Comparison of corrosion rate of rebar in OPC, PPC, and took more time for PPC and PSC concrete types as evidenced
PSC concrete types obtained by impressed voltage test (28-day cured by the time taken for initial crack. The considerable reduction
specimens).
in corrosion rate of the blended cements was attributed to
the secondary pozzolanic reaction in blended cements which
0.012 favoured more C-S-H gel formation and interconnected
0.011 the micropores present in the blended cements. Moreover,
0.010 the PSC showed the least corrosion rate values because, in
Corrosion rate (mmpy)

0.009 addition to the secondary pozzolanic reaction, the higher

0.008 Al2 O3 content adsorbed more free chloride and formed
0.007 chloroaluminate complex [37]. Thus, the free chlorides
0.006 mainly responsible for inducing the reinforcement corrosion
0.005 were considerably reduced and hence a marked reduction in
0.004
corrosion rate values was observed.
Better corrosion resistant properties were observed for
0.003
PSC concrete that exhibited the minimum current flow,
0.002
OPC PPC PSC
lowest free chloride contents, and lower corrosion rate.

M30 3.4. Rapid Chloride Permeability Test. The amount of charge

M40 that passed (coulombs) through OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete
Figure 7: Comparison of corrosion rate of rebar in OPC, PPC, and types cured after 28 and 90 days was reported in Table 5.
PSC concrete types obtained by impressed voltage test (90-day cured In M30 grade 28-day cured concrete showed 669, 281, and
specimens). 226 coulombs for OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types,
respectively. The results obtained for M40 grade concrete
showed 626, 261, and 204 coulombs for OPC, PPC, and
oxide and aluminate with chloride, forming calcium chloroa- PSC concrete types, respectively. This showed that, in M40
luminate complexes (CaO⋅Al2 O3 ⋅NaCl2 ⋅10H2 O). With the grade concrete, due to the higher cement content, the higher
result, the time taken for initial crack was increased. reactivity of Ca(OH)2 with SiO2 leads to the formation of C-
The free chloride contents showed the lower values for S-H gel which reduced the micro- and macropores present
PSC concrete. This can be attributed to the formation of free in the concrete. Besides, PSC and PPC cement consists of
chlorides into complex form. The mechanism of the forma- higher amount of Al2 O3 (10.0 to 10.5%) when compared to
tion of complex, namely, Friedel salt, is by the precipitation OPC (5.5%), which interacted with Ca(OH)2 and favoured
formation of calcium chloroaluminate complexes (chloride
method.
binding effect) which made the concrete more impermeable
[38]. For this reason, the amount of charge that passed
3.3.2. Corrosion Rate of Embedded Steel. The corrosion rates reduced considerably in M40 grade concrete when compared
of embedded steel in OPC, PPC, and PSC were given in to M30 grade concrete. The results indicated that the amount
Figures 6 and 7, respectively. of charge that passed considerably reduced in the case of
The corrosion rates of steel calculated for 28 days cured both M30 and M40 grade PPC (2.38 and 2.39 times) and
M30 OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types were found to PSC (2.96 and 3.06 times) concrete types when compared to
be 0.0150, 0.0075, and 0.0060 mmpy, respectively. These OPC concrete. The refinement of the pore structure occurring
results showed that blended cements, namely, PPC and PSC, in blended cements considerably reduced the permeation of
considerably decreased the corrosion rate of embedded steel aggressive chloride ions. The same trend was observed by
by 2 times and 2.5 times. Similar trend was also observed in Saraswathy and Song, by replacing 15 with 30% RHA [30].
8 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Table 5: Rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) parameters for OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 and M40 grade concrete types.

28 days 90 days
Chloride Chloride
Grade Free chloride Charge Free chloride
Charge passed (coulomb) diffusion diffusion
contents passed contents
coefficient coefficient
(ppm) (coulombs) (ppm)
(cm2 s−1 ) × 10−10 (cm2 s−1 ) × 10−10
OPC M30 669 749 2.4 630 579 1.9
PPC M30 281 681 1.8 220 528 1.5
PSC M30 226 481 1.0 200 380 1.4
OPC M40 626 540 1.8 600 520 1.4
PPC M40 261 532 1.5 180 483 0.8
PSC M40 204 596 0.5 200 393 0.6

3.4.1. Chloride Diffusion Coefficient. The chloride diffusion cements were attributed to their impermeability nature that is
coefficient (CDC) calculated for 28- and 90-day cured OPC, due to the refinement of their pore structure [39].
PPC, and PSC concrete types was reported in Table 5. The
results indicated that both 28- and 90-day cured M30 and 3.5. Potentiodynamic Polarization Technique. Potentiody-
M40 grade concrete types showed the decreasing trend as namic polarization curves obtained for the corrosion of rebar
follows: in various types of cement concrete were shown in Figure 8.
The corrosion kinetic parameters for rebar embedded in
OPC, PPC, and PSC for M30 and M40 grade and 90-day
OPC > PPC > PSC. (8) cured concrete specimens were given in Table 6.
The corrosion potential of rebar in M30 concrete types
In PSC M30 and M40 grade 28- as well as 90-day from OPC, PPC, and PSC are −397, −303, and −299 mV,
cured concrete showed the least chloride diffusion coefficient respectively. PSC concrete improves the corrosion resistance
(CDC) values. For example, in M30 grade 28-day cured of rebar when compared to OPC concrete. There is a differ-
concrete the CDC values are found to be 1.8 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 ence of −97 mV which moves in the positive direction for
and 1.0 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 for PPC and PSC concrete types, PSC cement concrete. The corrosion rates of rebar types in
respectively. In M40 grade, 90-day cured concrete CDC OPC, PPC, and PSC are 6.9922 × 10−3 , 1.6902 × 10−3 , and
values are 0.8 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 and 0.6 × 10−10 cm2 s−1 for PPC 1.4448 × 10−3 mmpy, respectively. The corrosion rate of PPC
and PSC concrete types, respectively. For high performance and PSC was reduced 4.088 and 4.78 times when compared
concrete, the CDC values were found to be of the order of to OPC. The corrosion current density for rebar in three types
10–12 cm2 s−1 . The considerable lower CDC values for blended of cement concrete at the end of exposure is as follows:

1.4449 × 10−4 mA ⋅ cm−2 < 1.6902 × 10−4 mA ⋅ cm−2 < 6.9922 × 10−4 mA ⋅ cm−2
(9)
PSC PPC OPC.

In M40 grade concrete, the measured corrosion potential PSC concrete types when compared to OPC was found to be
was −301, −263, and −258 mV versus SCE for OPC, PPC, and less than M30 grade concrete. The corrosion current density
PSC, respectively. The variation in potential for M40 PPC and for M40 concrete follows the same order as M30 concrete:

2.491 × 10−4 mA ⋅ cm−2 < 1.9589 × 10−4 mA ⋅ cm−2 < 1.674 × 10−4 mA ⋅ cm−2
(10)
PSC PPC OPC.

The PSC and PPC concrete types exhibit lower corrosion 3.6. AC-Impedance Measurements. Impedance diagrams
current density and lowest corrosion rate when compared to obtained for the frequency range 0.01 Hz to 30 kHz at the
their OPC concrete counterpart. OCP for the corrosion of rebar in different concrete types
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 9

100
−100
0

Potential (mV) versus SCE

Potential (mV) versus SCE

−200
−100

−300 −200

−400 −300

−400
−500
−500
−600
10−6 10−5 10−4 10−3 10−2 10−6 10−5 10−4 10−3
−2
log i (mA·cm−2 ) log i (mA·cm )
OPC OPC
PPC PPC
PSC PSC
(a) (b)

Figure 8: Potentiodynamic polarization curves for TMT rebar embedded in OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 (a) and M40 (b) grade concrete types
(90-day cured specimens).

Table 6: Potentiodynamic polarization parameters for the corrosion of rebar embedded in OPC, PPC, and PSC M40 grade concrete (90-day
cured specimens).

Various grades of concrete

M30 M40
System
𝐸corr 𝐸corr
𝐼corr Corrosion rate 𝐼corr Corrosion rate
(mV versus (mV versus
(mA⋅cm−2 ) × 10−4 (mmpy) × 10−3 (mA⋅cm−2 ) × 10−5 (mmpy) × 10−4
SCE) SCE)
OPC −397 6.9922 8.0082 −301 2.1496 2.491
PPC −303 1.6902 1.9589 −263 1.6902 1.9589
PSC −299 1.4448 1.674 −258 1.4448 1.674

were shown in Figure 9. The corrosion parameters for rebar be 1.12 and 1.27 times less when compared with OPC. In
types in OPC, PPC, and PSC of M30 and M40 grade 90-day M40 grade concrete 𝑅ct values observed for OPC, PPC, and
cured concrete types are given in Table 7. It is seen from the PSC were 1.399 × 106 , 1.594 × 106 , and 1.714 × 106 ohm⋅cm2 ,
figure that the impedance diagram is not a perfect semicircle. respectively. This indicated that M40 grade concrete has two
This difference has been attributed to frequency dispersion. orders of magnitude higher corrosion resistance than M30
From the table, it is found that 𝑅ct (charge transfer grade concrete.
resistance) values were found to be higher for both PPC and Nyquist plots clearly indicated that rebar types embedded
PSC when compared to OPC in both M30 and M40 grade in PSC and PPC concrete performed better than OPC. The
concrete types, which indicates that PPC and PSC have better corrosion rates of rebar in various concrete types at the end
corrosion resistance than OPC. The corrosion rate values in of 24 months’ exposure in M30 and M40 grade concrete types
M30 grade PPC and PSC concrete types were observed to are as follows:

8.728 × 10−3 mmpy < 7.782 × 10−3 mmpy < 6.873 × 10−3 mmpy
M30 PSC PPC OPC
(11)
2.161 × 10−4 mmpy < 1.897 × 10−4 mmpy < 1.764 × 10−4 mmpy
M40 PSC PPC OPC.
10 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

Table 7: AC-impedance parameters for the corrosion of rebar embedded in OPC, PPC, and PSC M40 grade concrete (90-day cured
specimens).

Various grades of concrete

M30 M40
System
𝑅ct 𝐼corr Corrosion rate 𝑅ct 𝐼corr Corrosion rate
(ohms⋅cm2 ) × 104 (mA/cm2 ) × 10−4 (mmpy) × 10−3 (ohms⋅cm2 ) × 106 (mA/cm2 ) × 10−5 (mmpy) × 10−4
OPC 3.464 7.531 8.728 1.399 1.865 2.161
PPC 3.885 6.715 7.782 1.594 1.637 1.897
PSC 4.399 5.930 6.873 1.714 1.522 1.764

From the results it is observed that PSC concrete showed that at the end of the exposure (24th cycle) OPC concrete
the higher charge transfer resistance and lowest corrosion rate showed the higher value of 1200 coulombs, whereas PPC and
when compared to PPC and OPC concrete types. PSC exhibited 800 and 500 coulombs, respectively. Figure 15
shows the total integrated current versus number of cycles
3.7. Macrocell Corrosion Studies. The half-cell potential of for M40 grade OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types. From the
steel measured periodically against SCE with time for OPC, figure, it is observed that the coulomb values observed for
PPC, and PSC for M30 and M40 grade 90-day cured concrete OPC, PPC, and PSC were 900, 700, and 600, respectively. In
types was shown in Figures 10 and 11. It was observed both M30 and M40 grades of concrete PPC and PSC showed
from Figure 10 that steel embedded in M30 grade OPC, a coulomb value of less than 1000 indicating the blended
PPC, and PSC concrete types is showing active condition cements have very low chloride penetration. But OPC showed
within 3, 4, and 5 cycles of exposure, respectively. After 5 1200 coulombs in M30 grade and 900 coulombs in M40 grade
cycles, all the three types of concrete types were showing the concrete types. In M30 grade concrete OPC is graded as a low
potential more negative than −275 mV versus SCE indicating permeable concrete. But in both the grades of concrete PPC
the active condition of the rebar due to the ingress of chloride and PSC were graded as a very low permeable concrete as per
ions, whereas in M40 grade concrete the OPC, PPC, and ASTM C1202-12 [32].
PSC reached the active condition at 7, 9, and 11 cycles of In the case of OPC system, the availability of chloride ions
exposure, respectively. In M30 grade concrete, the potential that occupied the defect position and reacted with ferrous
gets stabilized after 12 cycles of exposure for all the types of ions initiated the corrosion process. But in the case of PPC
and PSC concrete types, the availability of free chloride is
concrete types and it reached a maximum active potential
significantly reduced due to the formation of chloroaluminate
of −610 mV, −530 mV, and −501 mV for OPC, PPC, and PSC, complexes [37]. As a result, there is a considerable reduction
respectively, at the end of 24 cycles. In M40 grade concrete, in the magnitude of current flow which was observed in PPC
after 11 cycles of exposure, both PPC and PSC have shown and PSC concrete types.
gradual increase in potential to the active state, reaching a
potential of −420 mV and −400 mV at the end of 24th cycle.
But OPC has shown a more negative potential of −520 mV 4. Conclusions
at the end of 24th cycle. These results indicated that the PSC
concrete performed better than PPC and OPC concrete types. The following conclusions were drawn from the above inves-
The macrocell current measured periodically with time tigation:
for M30 and M40 grade OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types is
shown in Figures 12 and 13. From Figure 12, it is observed that (i) Mechanical properties are not altered by using
M30 OPC concrete that crossed the critical current of 10 𝜇A blended cements, but corrosion resistant properties
showed the higher magnitude of macrocell current flow at the are greatly improved.
end of 24 cycles of exposure indicating the severe corrosion
of the embedded steel. The macrocell current measured at the (ii) The effective porosity and coefficient of water absorp-
end of the 24th cycle was 72 𝜇A, 60 𝜇A, and 54 𝜇A for OPC, tion values showed the decreasing order as follows:
PPC, and PSC concrete types, respectively. OPC > PPC > PSC. Among the three types of concrete
From Figure 13 it is observed that in M40 grade concrete used, PSC concrete showed the least pores and lower
OPC reached the threshold macrocell current of 10 𝜇A within coefficient of water absorption.
2 cycles of exposure and PPC and PSC reached the microcell
current at 4th and 6th cycles of exposure. The macrocell (iii) Better corrosion resistant properties were observed
current measured at the end of 24th cycle was 60 𝜇A, 45 𝜇A, for PSC concrete types by showing a minimum
and 34 𝜇A for OPC, PPC, and PSC, respectively. current flow, lowest free chloride contents, and lesser
The total integrated current calculated (ASTM G109) with corrosion rate, and thereby the time taken for ini-
time for M30 grade OPC, PPC, and PSC concrete types is tiation of crack period was extended in accelerated
illustrated in Figure 14. From the figure, it was observed impressed voltage technique.
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 11

30000 1400000

25000 1200000

1000000
20000

Z (Ω·cm2 )
Z (Ω·cm2 )

800000
15000
600000
10000
400000
5000 200000

0 0
20000 30000 40000 50000 60000 70000 0 250000 500000 750000 1000000 1250000 1500000
Z (Ω·cm2 ) Z (Ω·cm2 )
OPC OPC
PPC PPC
PSC PSC
(a) (b)
Figure 9: Nyquist plots for TMT rebar embedded in OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 (a) and M40 (b) grade concrete types (90-day cured specimens).

−600
Potential mV versus SCE

−500

−400

−300

−200
0 5 10 15 20 25
Number of cycles
OPC
PPC
PSC
Figure 10: Potential versus number of cycles of exposure for rebar in OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 grade concrete types (90-day cured specimens)
under macrocell condition.

−500
Potential mV versus SCE

−400

−300

−200

−100
0 5 10 15 20 25
Number of cycles
OPC
PPC
PSC
Figure 11: Potential versus number of cycles of exposure for rebar in OPC, PPC, and PSC M40 grade concrete types (90-day cured specimens)
under macrocell condition.
12 Advances in Materials Science and Engineering

80
1200

Total integrated current (coulombs)

70

60 1000
Macrocell current (A)

50 800
40
600
30
400
20

10 200

0
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Number of cycles Number of cycles

OPC OPC
PPC PPC
PSC PSC

Figure 12: Macrocell current versus number of cycles of exposure Figure 14: Total integrated current versus number of cycles of
for rebar in OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 grade concrete types (90-day exposure for rebar in OPC, PPC, and PSC M30 grade concrete types
cured specimens) under macrocell condition. (90-day cured specimens) under macrocell condition.

1000
60
Total integrated current (coulombs)

800
50
Macrocell current (A)

40 600

30
400
20
200
10

0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25
Number of cycles Number of cycles
OPC OPC
PPC PPC
PSC PSC

Figure 13: Macrocell current versus number of cycles of exposure Figure 15: Total integrated current versus number of cycles of
for rebar in OPC, PPC and PSC M40 grade concrete types (90 days exposure for rebar in OPC, PPC, and PSC M40 grade concrete types
cured specimens) under macrocell condition. (90-day cured specimens) under macrocell condition.

(vii) Macrocell corrosion studies revealed that PPC and

(iv) In the case of M30 grade concrete cured for 28 days, PSC concrete types are graded as very low chloride
the corrosion rate was considerably decreased by 2 permeability concrete in both M30 and M40 grade
and 2.5 times for PPC and PSC, respectively. concrete types.
(v) In the case of M40 grade concrete cured for 28 days, (viii) Electrochemical studies also proved beyond doubt
PPC and PSC concrete types showed 1.7 and 3 times that PSC concrete performed better than PPC and
reduction in corrosion rate when compared to the OPC concrete types.
OPC concrete.
Conflicts of Interest
(vi) RCPT indicated that both 28- and 90-day cured M30
and M40 grade concrete types showed the decrease in The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest
CDC values as follows: OPC > PPC > PSC. regarding the publication of this paper.
Advances in Materials Science and Engineering 13

Acknowledgments cement mortars,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 25,

no. 4, pp. 2036–2045, 2011.
This research was supported by the Basic Science Research [15] ACI 308-92 Standard Practice for curing concrete (ACI 308-92),
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(NRF) funded by the Ministry of Science, ICT & Future Mich, USA, 1998.
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