Abstract

This study adopt laboratory controlled experiment approach, in order to induce the worst scenario of concrete mix and determine the consequent effect on reinforced concrete element; a mix ratio of 1:3:6 was adopted for the experiment. Reinforced concrete elements were cast using both lagoon and ocean water while fresh water was used as a control experiment. These samples were buried at a depth of 1.5m below the ocean and lagoon bed soil characteristics and observed for a period of 150 days. Both the ocean and the lagoon samples increases in compressive strength from 10.65N/mm2 and 10.57N/mm2 on 7th day to 17.05N/mm2 and 18.04N/mm2 on the 21st day respectively as against the 14.20N/mm2 on 7th day to 17.05N/mm2 and 18.04N/mm2 fresh water sample. On 14th day fresh water sample has 17.48N/mm2 as against 12.10N/mm2 and 12.55N/mm2 recorded for both ocean and lagoon water samples. The findings revealed that concrete sample cast and cured with fresh water gained appreciable compressive strength over 150 days period while sample cast and cured with ocean and lagoon water slowly increase in strength but lower when compared with fresh water reinforced concrete element. Therefore the study recommended that a rich mix other than 1:3:6 and 1:3:5 be strictly enforced on construction sites for concrete under saline attack, increase concrete cover be used for protection against corrosion, and that non destructive test be carried out on all formworks under vertical loads like slabs and beams before they are stripped.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.