Changes in strength and permeability of concrete in the acid environment in the Mekong Delta

Abstract

     Experimental results show the strength and permeability of concrete change with time. In acidic and saline environments in the Mekong Delta, the strength of concrete increases while its pearmeability decreases in the first 9 months. After that period, these two parameters change in a reverse way. The quality of concrete in acidic environments tends to decline more than that in saline environments. The change level of permeability and strength of concrete depend on the water-cement ratio (W/C).When the ratio W/C is less than 0.50, the strength and permeability of concrete are very stable in the research environment. Hence, using the concrete with grade lower than M30 should not be used for the reinforced concrete constructions in the Mekong Delta.