EFFECTS OF REPLACEMENT OF METAKAOLIN WITH CEMENT ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF SIFCON

Abstract

Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous CONcrete (SIFCON) is unique type of concrete invented by Lankard in 1979, containing high percentage of fiber about 6% to 20% by volume of concrete. SIFCON possesses high strength as well as large ductility and for excellent potential for structural application. Metakaolin (MK) is a pozzolanic material, which improves the durabilityand strength of concrete. In this study the test programs were carried out with 2%, 3% and 4% of fiber content by volume of concrete with replacement of cement by Metakaolin at 5% and 7.5% by weight of cement. The aim of work is to optimize the percentage of fiber content and to minimize the cement usage by replacing it by Metakaolin. It also gives way to effective disposal of industrial waste to avoid global problem and protect environment. The main objective of this work was to determine the effect of replacement of cement with Metakaolin on mechanical property of SIFCON mortar. For that purpose compressive strength, flexural strength and Split tension strength of SIFCON specimen were tested after 7 and 28 days of curing, yielding positive results. In this study, we found that 2% fiber replacement by volume of concrete and Metakaolin at7.5% by weight of cement yields best and economical results.