Accelerated Corrosion Analysis of Recycled Aggregate Concrete with Pumice: A Detailed Study on Durability and Performance

¹ CVR College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
² Ph. D, G Pullaiah College of Engineering and Technology, Kurnool, Andhra Pradesh, India.
³ Ph.D, MVSR Engineering College, Civil Engineering Department, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
⁴ Hydraulic Engineering Department, Institute of Technology, Jigjiga University, Jigjiga, Ethiopia
⁵ Vaagdevi College of Engineering, Civil Engineering Department, Warangal, Telangana, India.

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Published online: 3 August 2026

Abstract

The study evaluates the durability performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) incorporating pumice as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate, with emphasis on accelerated corrosion and acid resistance. Pumice replaced coarse aggregate at 15%, 25%, and 35% by weight. Durability was assessed through impressed current accelerated corrosion tests and immersion in 5% HCl solution for 28 days. The results indicate that pumice content significantly influences the mechanical and durability properties of RAC. The 15% replacement level exhibited the best overall performance, recording the lowest mass loss (3.8%), minimum compressive strength reduction (12%), least dimensional change (0.22%), and lowest durability loss (15%) compared with the control mix. The 25% replacement showed moderate performance, while 35% replacement resulted in increased mass loss (4.5%), higher strength reduction (17%), and maximum durability loss (20%). Accelerated corrosion tests revealed that the optimum pumice content delayed corrosion initiation and propagation by improving the interfacial bond and refining the concrete microstructure, thereby restricting chloride ion penetration. Overall, replacing 15% of natural coarse aggregate with pumice provides an effective balance between strength, durability, and sustainability, making it a suitable lightweight aggregate for enhancing RAC under aggressive environmental conditions.