CHEMICAL RESISTANCE OF METAKAOLIN BLENDED CEMENT CONCRETE

Abstract

The use of pozzolanic materials as partial replacement of cement in concrete is on increase in order to promote sustainability in construction industry. This paper evaluated the effect of MK as cement replacement on the resistance of concrete to chemicals. Two different samples of concrete were produced. One with 10% (binary) MK replacing cement and another without MK as control. These samples were exposed to 3.5%NaCl, 1%MgSO4 and 2%MgSO4 solutions up to 90 days. After exposure, the strength and abrasion resistance of the samples were determined. Results showed that concrete sample with MK has improved compressive strength by about 9.8% and 12.3%, higher abrasion resistance by about 0.04% than the control at 28 and 90 days respectively. MK has positive effects on the mechanical and durability properties of the concrete. Therefore, MK can be used in the production of concrete exposed to sea water and sulphate environment