Durability and hydrophobic performance of PLC concrete with crystalline and water-reducing admixture under extreme curing conditions

The PLC offers a carbon-reducing substitute to conventional Portland cement, yet it exhibits hydrophilic properties due to form micro-pores and micro-cracks in the hydration products. This study evaluated the hydrophobicity of PLC concrete comprising with crystalline waterproofing chemical (SikaCim® Pink) and water-reducing agent PCE using extreme solutions such as sulfuric acid and sodium hydroxide solutions. The PCE dosages 0.5 %, 1.0 % and 1.5 % and constant 0.2 % SikaCim® Pink were introduced in the PLC concrete mixes. The experimental results revealed that the concrete composition (C3) having 0.5 % PCE and 0.20 % SikaCim® Pink improved near 30 % CS and 15 % STS at 28d compared to control PLC concrete. The C3 concrete also exposed about 16.8 % and 8.0 % CS loss, whereas the control PLC concrete showed about 43 % and 18 % CS loss in the pH 3.0 and pH 13.0 solutions at 180d of immersion, correspondingly. The results of this research may contribute to the development of durable and hydrophobic construction materials and might be applied in the heavy rainy regions for infrastructure progress.