Experimental Investigations on Durability Aspects of Fibre-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete against Acid Attack

Structures built using modern-day high-performance concrete, such as Fibre-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete (FRSCC), are expected to serve their intended purpose even in harsh environmental conditions such as those involving chemical attack on the concrete. The present study intends to experimentally investigate the effect of acidic exposure conditions on the hardened properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) and the influence of steel and sisal fibre reinforcement in mitigating the effects of acid attack on the hardened properties of SCC. The present study considers concrete specimens of different grades with and without steel and sisal fibre reinforcements of varying volume fractions. These concrete specimens are conventionally cured in potable water for 28 days, followed by curing in a 5% sulphuric acid solution for 90 days to mimic the aggressive acidic exposure conditions. The hardened properties of SCC are evaluated in terms of visual degradation, loss of weight, and reduction of compressive and flexural capacity of concrete specimens. The findings of the experimental investigations indicate that exposure to an acidic environment can significantly impact the hardened properties of SCC. Steel and sisal fibre reinforcement is an efficient method of reducing the adverse effects of acidic exposure on the mechanical properties of concrete in the hardened state.