Seawater can be used in cement mixing with a water-cement ratio between 0.40 and 0.60, but its use requires careful consideration due to potential durability issues. Incorporating materials like plastic, glass, or natural fibers can enhance mechanical properties and sustainability, provided they are well-dispersed and compatible with the cement matrix.
The ratio of mixing cement with seawater depends on the type of concrete being made and the required properties. However, it is generally not recommended to use seawater for mixing concrete due to its high chloride content, which can lead to corrosion of reinforcement steel and affect the long-term durability of the structure.
Typical Mixing Ratio for Cement Using Seawater
If seawater must be used due to availability issues, the typical mix ratio is similar to normal concrete but with additional considerations for durability:
Standard Mix Ratio (by weight):Cement : Sand : Aggregate : Water Common ratios: 1:2:4 or 1:1.5:3 Water-cement ratio (W/C) = 0.45 - 0.6 (adjusted based on workability)
Seawater Considerations:Use sulfate-resistant cement (Type V) to minimize sulfate attack. Limit seawater usage to unreinforced concrete to avoid steel corrosion. Consider adding pozzolanic materials (e.g., fly ash, silica fume) to reduce permeability. Use corrosion-resistant reinforcements (e.g., epoxy-coated, stainless steel, or fiber-reinforced polymer bars).