Effect of metakaolin on compressive strength of concrete by normal & accelerated curing

Abstract: Concrete is widely used construction materials. However, the production of Portland cement releases large amount of CO2 (carbon dioxide), a greenhouse gas. One ton of Portland cement clinker production releases approximately one ton of CO2 and other gases. Environmental issues are playing essential role in the sustainable development of concrete industry. Metakaolin is mainly used as a mineral admixture in cement and concrete. Compared to silica fume and fly ash, metakaolin has a very high reactivity level. Previous studies have shown that metakaolin can increase the mechanical strength of concrete to varying degrees, depending mainly on the replacement rate of metakaolin, the water/binder ratio, and the age at testing Remarkably, metakaolin has a positive effect on reducing drying shrinkage and improving durability.

Keywords: Compressive Strength, metakaolin, Normal curing, Accelerated curing.