Durability modeling for enhancing the service life of a building constructed on a reclaimed land in the sea

In reinforced concrete structures constructed on the coastline of the hypersaline Arabian Gulf water, corrosion of reinforcing steel causes cracking, delamination and spalling of concrete, within a time span of a few years. The King Abdullah Civic Center (KACC), being constructed on a reclaimed land off the coastline in the Eastern region of Saudi Arabia, is a major complex with wharves, quay walls, and breakwater and commercial buildings. To ensure the durability of buildings in the harsh marine environment and to provide a minimum service life of 35 years, a concrete mix in which 70% of Portland cement is replaced by granulated ground blast furnace slag (GGBFS) was recommended based on durability modeling conducted using the software STADIUM®. Concrete with 70% GGBFS provides for the dual objective of achieving a green concrete and an enhanced service life of the building. Based on durability modelling it was concluded that corrosion inhibitor should be used preferably in the concrete. A detailed experimental program was conducted to assess the durability and strength properties of the 70% GGBFS concrete, with and without corrosion inhibitor. This paper presents the results of experimental investigations and durability modeling conducted for the project. A 70% GGBFS concrete mix without corrosion inhibitor was adopted for the raft foundation and subsequently for the entire building to make it a green concrete building.