Effect of silica fume, metakaolin, and low-calcium fly ash on chemical resistance of concrete

Effects of aggressive chemical environments were evaluated on the mortars prepared with ordinary portland cement (OPC) and silica fume (SF)/metakaolin (MK)/low-calcium fly ash at various replacement levels. The natural adverse chemical environmental conditions were simulated using sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid, acetic acid, phosphoric acid, and a mixture of sodium and magnesium sulfates. Chemical resistance information was used in conjunction with compressive strength measurements to propose realistic OPC/mineral admixture proportions.