Influence of Metakaolin on Strength and Microstructure of Steam-Cured High-Strength Concrete

Abstract:

The influence of metakaolin (MK) on strength and microstructure of steam-cured high-strength concrete has been investigated using compressive strength test, XRD, MIP and SEM. Three MK replacement levels were considered in the study: 5%, 10% and 15% by weight of cement. A mix double blended with 10% MK and 10% slag was prepared too. Test results have indicated that MK can increase the compressive strength of steam-cured concrete, especially at early age. Compressive strength up to 90MPa at 1 and 28 days is obtained with the incorporation of 10% MK and 10% slag. When the replacement level of MK is higher than 10%, the enhancement of strength becomes less significant. Content of Ca (OH)₂ crystals is decreased while content of hydrates with Al is increased due to the pozzolanic reactivity of MK. Concrete pore structure is significantly refined and a denser hydrates structure is obtained due to the pozzolanic reaction and filler effect of MK. Meanwhile, combination of aggregate and paste is enhanced too. The improvements of strength and microstructure become more obvious when MK and slag are double incorporated.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volumes 838-841)
• Pages: 42-46
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.838-841.42
• Online since: November 2013
• Authors: Jun Jie Zeng*, Zhi Hong Fan, Long Chen
• Keywords: Compressive Strength, High-Strength Concrete (HSC), Metakaolin (MK), Microstructure

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