Evaluation of the permeability of high strength concrete using metakaolin and wood ash as partial replacement for cement

Abstract

The present study is aimed to develop a high strength concrete by using mineral admixtures of wood ash (WA), metakaolin (MK), and chemical admixture. In order to check the compatibility, physical and chemical properties of the materials are studied. The specific gravity, bulk density and fineness of the ordinary Portland cement, wood ash and metakaolin have been studied. When compare to other materials, metakaolin has a more fineness and it implies the more reactivity than the wood ash. Similarly, the physical properties of the fine aggregate and coarse aggregates are also studies. And compressive strength, water absorption test, rapid chloride penetration test is also conducted. From the test report, it can be noted that the maximum compressive strength is achieved 83 N/mm2 in 10% WA + 20% MK blended concrete. The lowest water absorption and chloride permeability were obtained as 2.5% and 348 C respectively in 10% WA + 20% MK blended concrete. At the end of the experimental works, all obtained results were correlated with each other. The water absorption is well correlated with compressive strength (R2 = 84.9%) and charge passed (R2 = 91.5%). Finally, the cost analysis was carried out to understand the cost benefits of using the wood ash and metakaolin in high strength concrete.