Abstract:
This research aims to study the effect of ground palm oil fuel ash (POF) on chloride penetration, steel corrosion, compressive strength, and microstructure of concrete exposed to a marine site for 3 years. Control concretes were designed using Portland cement type I with W/B ratios of 0.40, 0.45 and 0.50. The POF was used as a pozzolanic material to replace Portland cement type I at 0, 15, 25, 35, and 50% by weight of the binder at the same W/B ratios of the control concretes. Concrete cube specimens of 200x200x200 mm3 were cast, and the steel bars of 12-mm in diameter and 50-mm in length were embedded at covering depths of 10, 20 and 50 mm. In addition, concrete cylinder of 100- mm in diameter and 200-mm in height were prepared for compressive strength test. The concrete specimens were cured in water for 28 days, and then placed to the tidal zone of marine environment. After 3-year exposure, the specimens were tested for compressive strength, acid and water soluble chlorides and corrosion of embedded steel bar. The results showed that during 3-year exposure, concrete containing ground palm oil fuel ash gained strength faster than Portland cement type I concretes. The findings indicated that the use of POF as high as 25% by weight of binder tend to reduce the chloride penetration, steel corrosion and increased the chloride binding capacity in concrete, achieving a high durable concrete