Enhancing Concrete Sustainability and Performance with Magnetized Water: A Novel Approach for Cleaner Production
摘要
This study investigates the effect of fine-to-coarse aggregate ratios on the permeability and freeze–thaw behavior of concrete incorporating magnetized water. As a widely used composite material, concrete’s durability against water penetration and freeze–thaw cycles is critical, particularly in harsh environmental conditions. Magnetized water, produced by passing water through a magnetic field to alter its physical properties, represents an innovative approach to enhancing concrete’s mechanical properties and durability. The research evaluated 15 mix designs with fine-to-coarse aggregate ratios (0.5 to 1.5) and cement contents (350, 400 and 450 kg/m3). Results demonstrated that concrete with magnetized water significantly improved compressive strength by up to 38.1% and freeze–thaw resistance, while reducing water permeability by up to 68.8% compared to concrete with ordinary water. An optimal aggregate ratio (0.75 to 1.0) and higher cement content (450 kg/m3) yielded the best performance in minimizing permeability and maximizing compressive strength. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) revealed that magnetized water concrete reduces environmental impact and production costs by eliminating the need for chemical admixtures. The novelty of this research lies in leveraging magnetized water as a cost-effective and sustainable method to enhance concrete durability, particularly in cold climates. This approach not only complies with international standards (ACI 318 and Eurocode 2) but also offers comparable performance to costly additives like silica fume at a lower cost. By providing a practical and economical solution for producing durable concrete, this study has significant implications for civil engineering projects in challenging environmental conditions, promoting sustainability and cost-efficiency in construction practices.