Laboratory investigations on the effects of acid attack on concrete containing portland cement partially replaced with ambient-cured alkali-activated binders

To reduce the CO2 emissions associated with the manufacture of portland cement (PC), an efficient alternative like an alkali-activated binder (AAB) is the requirement of the industry. To promote the use of AAB in construction activities, a practically implementable mix proportion is required. Owing to the several raw ingredients of AAB concrete and their associated uncertainties, partial replacement of PC by AAB may be adopted instead of complete replacement as per industrial requirements. Hence, the present study aims to determine an optimal proportion for partial replacement of PC with AAB and recommend a technique for it based on site conditions. Three modes of partial replacement are followed: combining all the dry ingredients for AAB and PC followed by the addition of the requisite liquids (PAM); combining the PC and the AAB concrete in two horizontal layers (PAH); and two vertical layers (PAV). 28-day old specimens are exposed to 10% v/v solutions of HCl, H2SO4, and HNO3 to evaluate changes in mechanical, physical, and microstructural characteristics through compressive strength, corrosion depth, and microscopy. Based on deterioration in strength and integrity, PAH or PAV can be adopted in absence of acid attack, whereas PAM is recommended in presence of acid attack.