Service life prediction of concrete structures blended with micronized sand as cement replacement

Micronized sand, with high purity SiO2, has been selected as cement replacement. The service life of structures made of concrete blended with micronized sand was evaluated by using the DuraCrete model. In this model the end of service life was assumed to be reached when the chloride concentration at the reinforcement had reached a critical threshold value. The chloride profiles in concrete structure and the cover thickness of structures were evaluated for structures made of concrete blended with micronized sand as partial replacement of cement. For a required service life of 80 years, the chloride ion concentration over the cover depth of structures made with blended concrete was a bit higher than in reference OPC concrete. To ensure the required service life, the cover thickness of structures made with concrete blended with micronized sand has to be increased. The increase of the cover thickness was relatively small compared to the size of the structural elements.