Experimental Study of Blended Binders with Metakaolin

Abstract

Three metakaolins are evaluated for use as supplementary cementitious materials in cement-based systems. The metakaolins vary in mineralogical composition and in fabrication (traditional and flash calcination), but are quite similar in their surface area (16–19 m2/g), but are quite similar in mineralogical composition. Performance of metakaolin mixtures will be compared to two control mixtures (standard concrete for foundation C40/50 and high performance concrete C60/75). In this study, the properties of fresh concrete and the mechanical and durability properties of hardened concrete will be examined. The rheological behaviour are aimed to determine the effect of metakaolin on mixture workability. Compressive, tensile and flexural strength and elastic modulus will be measured at various concrete ages. The influence of metakaolin on durability is assessed through rapid chloride migration and carbonation measurements. For high performance concrete mixtures, drying and autogenous shrinkage will be monitored and creep measurements are performed and compared.