Wahyu Widodo, Emil Adly, Kurnia Adha Tirta Dewantara, Andry Yuliyanto, Siti Isnaini Kurniawati Djaha, Atik Wahyuni
Rigid pavement submerged in saltwater is prone to accelerated damage, especially when subjected to large and repetitive loads. This study investigates the impact of a concrete additive in a saltwater environment over time, using finite element analysis with EverFE software. The samples, incorporating Plastocrete RT06 (type D) and Sikament NN (type F) chemical additives, were designed with a compressive strength of approximately 33 MPa. They were immersed in saltwater from the port of Tanjung Emas, Semarang, for durations of 6 and 12 hours. This approach provides a comprehensive understanding of how these conditions affect pavement performance and durability. The findings reveal that the concrete mixtures meet specified standards, with stable slump values ensuring workability. Initial saltwater immersion showed a slight increase in strength due to chloride ions aiding cement hydration, but prolonged exposure significantly decreased compressive strength, especially at 21 and 28 days. Sikament NN, a superplasticizer, effectively enhanced the initial and final strength of concrete, achieving compressive strengths of 37.8 MPa at 7 days and 38.88 MPa at 28 days under normal water immersion. However, extended saltwater exposure reduced performance by 6.02%, highlighting the need to consider environmental conditions in design. EverFE software analysis demonstrated significant variations in the modulus of elasticity under different saltwater immersion conditions, with slabs under normal conditions exhibiting higher stress and lower deflection. Thicker slabs generally performed better, influencing stress, deflection, and moment values. This comprehensive study underscores the importance of environmental factors in the design and maintenance of rigid pavements, particularly in coastal areas. © 2025 Author(s).
Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Jl. Brawijaya, Tamantirto, Yogyakarta, Bantul, 55183, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering, National Central University, No. 300, Zhongda Rd. Zhongli District, Taoyuan City, 320317, Taiwan; Department of Civil Engineering, Institute Teknologi Sumatera, Jl. Terusan Ryacudu, Lampung Selatan, Lampung, 35365, Indonesia; Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Muhammadiyah Sidoarjo, Jl. Mojopahit No. 666B, Sidowayah, Celep, Jawa Timur, Sidoarjo, 61215, Indonesia