Mechanical and durability assessment of cement-based and alkali-activated coating mortars in an aggressive marine environment

Abstract Coatings are used as practical solutions against the intrusion of corrosive ions into concrete structures, particularly, in harsh marine environment. In present study, effectiveness using cement-based and geopolymer-based coatings produced by-product materials has been evaluated. Silica fume GGBFS at their optimum dosages were incorporated mortar mixtures a cement replacement, NaOH or KOH sodium silicate alkali-activated mortars. Shrinkage test, RCMT, capillary absorption test common experiments for durability analysis, well tests related to mechanical bonding properties including compressive strength pull-off shear carried out on specimens. According results, both geopolymer mortars improved strengths, chloride diffusion resistance compared OPC mortar. was found be more effective development young ages, while responsible acting filler producing further gel older ages. The major drawback with is high rate water shrinkage coefficient early hours, which shows importance curing these Overall, mix design 30% 7.5% silica showed highest proved compatible environment Persian Gulf.