Metakaolin influence on concrete durability properties

Abstract

Mineral admixtures are being used today almost in all concretes partially, to improve workability, engineering properties and also to enhance durability of the concrete. These admixtures are industrial by-products. In the present study, mineral admixture such as metakaolin (MK) is replaced partially in cement to investigate permanence properties of concrete in terms of initial water absorption, final water absorption and confrontation to acid attack. Inorder to identify the durability properties, concrete of M30 grade was prepared. The mineral admixture content was varied from 0% to 30% by volume of cement with 10% gradient. In acid attack, 3% H2SO4 solution is used for curing of specimens and the corresponding weight losses (%) were evaluated for curing periods of 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. Both initial and final water absorptions of the metakaolin-modified concrete have been improved when metakaolin content was increased up to 10% advantageously. And, also weight loss was decreased when metakaolin content varied from 0% to 30%.