Title:
Impact and Optimization of Deicer Solutions on Concrete Characteristics in Sub-Zero Environments
Author(s):
Shahid Ul Islam and Shakeel Ahmad Waseem
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
39-50
Keywords:
compressive strength; deicer chemicals; microstructural analysis; response surface methodology
DOI:
10.14359/51742114
Date:
9/1/2024
Abstract:
This study examines the impact of deicers on the compressivestrength and microstructure of concrete at ambient temperaturein sub-zero areas. In this study, after 7 days of curing in plainwater, concrete specimens were exposed to four deicer chemicalsolutions—sodium chloride, sodium acetate, calcium nitrate, andurea—at 3, 6, and 9% concentrations. The specimens were testedfor compressive strength after 14, 28, and 90 days of exposure. Alltested deicers, except calcium nitrate, have a propensity to decreasethe compressive strength of concrete. Exposure to sodium acetate,which appears to have the most detrimental effect, decreased thecompressive strength of concrete by a maximum of 30.79% at aconcentration of 9%, whereas exposure to calcium nitrate increasedthe compressive strength of concrete by 17% at a concentration of3%. Deicers changed the microstructure of concrete, which wasinvestigated using field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FE-SEM). This was followed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) for qualitative analysis of phases present in deicer-treated concrete specimens. The desirability function was used to determine the optimal exposure period and calcium nitrate concentration for concrete in sub-zero environments, which were 10 to 11 days and 8.8% to 9%, respectively.