Enhancing sustainability in RC beams with magnetically treated mixing water for improved flexural performance

Area of Science:

• Civil Engineering
• Materials Science
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• Civil engineering seeks high-performance, sustainable construction materials.
• Magnetized treated water (MW) shows potential for enhancing concrete hydration and properties.
• Magnetic field treatment alters water's molecular structure, influencing concrete's hydration process.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effectiveness of magnetized treated water (MW) in enhancing concrete properties.
• To evaluate the impact of MW on fresh properties, mechanical strength, and durability.
• To assess the influence of MW on the structural behavior and flexural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) beams.

Main Methods:

• Experimental investigation of fresh concrete properties using MW and normal water (NW).
• Mechanical strength tests (compressive and split tensile) for concrete mixes.
• Structural behavior analysis of RC beams under flexural load.
• Microstructural analysis using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

Main Results:

• Workability of MW concrete improved by up to 42.7% compared to NW concrete.
• Compressive strength increased by 12.29% and split tensile strength by 19.8% with MW.
• Flexural strength of RC beams enhanced by 12.8% using MW.
• SEM analysis revealed denser microstructure with increased calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) gel in MW concrete.

Conclusions:

• Magnetized treated water (MW) effectively enhances concrete's workability and mechanical properties.
• MW improves the flexural performance of reinforced concrete beams, indicating better structural integrity.
• The enhanced microstructure, characterized by increased C-S-H gel and reduced defects, explains the improved concrete performance.