Short Term Effect of Magnesium Sulphate on the Compressive Strength of Superplasticized Laterized Concrete

Abstract

This study investigated the short term effect of magnesium sulphate on the compressive strength of superplasticized laterized concrete with a view to establishing its suitability for use in aggressive environment. It examined the effect of magnesium sulphate and varying Laterite contents with a constant water-cement ratio on the compressive strength of superplasticized laterized content. The percentage replacements of laterite as substitute in fine aggregate were varied in the increment of 0%, 20% and 30% respectively. All cubes were cast and cured in water for 7, 14, 28 days respectively. The cast superplasticized laterite concrete cube size is 100x100x100mm which were crushed using compression testing machine. During its preparation, Superplasticizer was added to improve workability. Part of the cubes were transferred to magnesium sulphate concentrate solution of 1% and 3% after 28days of curing in water for another 28 days making 56 days. It was observed that the concrete cube decreases in strength when exposed to varying percentages of magnesium sulphate concentrate solution. The study concluded that superplasticized laterized concrete is not suitable for use in magnesium sulphate concentrate environment.