Civil and Project journal

Experimental Investigation of the Effect of Natural Zeolite Pozzolan on the Mechanical Properties and Water Absorption of Ordinary Portland Concrete

https://doi.org/10.22034/cpj.2026.593350.1463
Volume 8, Issue 8 - Serial Number 90
October 2026
Pages 82-99
Civil and Project journal

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

farhad pirmohammadi alishah 1
Mehdi Mohammadrezaie 2

1 Faculty Member and Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Engineering, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar Branch, Shabestar, Iran

2 Department of Civil Engineering, Shab.C., Islamic Azad University, Shabestar, Iran

Abstract
This study investigates the influence of natural zeolite as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) on the mechanical properties and water absorption of ordinary Portland concrete. Zeolite was used as a partial cement replacement at levels of 0%, 2%, 6%, 8%, 12%, and 15% within various mix designs (cement content ranging from 320 to 400 kg/m³). The experimental program focused on evaluating compressive strength at 7 and 28 days, as well as water absorption capacity. The results indicate that while early-age (7-day) compressive strength experienced a slight decrease due to the dilution effect of the zeolite, 28-day strength significantly improved at an 8% replacement level. Furthermore, water absorption tests reveal that the pozzolanic reaction of zeolite refines the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and reduces capillary porosity. The findings suggest that natural zeolite, when properly proportioned, enhances the long-term durability and structural efficiency of concrete.

Keywords

Natural Zeolite
Ordinary Portland Concrete
Compressive Strength
Water Absorption
Pozzolanic Reaction
Subjects
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  • Receive Date 22 June 2026
  • Revise Date 09 July 2026
  • Accept Date 25 July 2026
  • First Publish Date 25 July 2026
  • Publish Date 23 October 2026

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