Strength and micro-structural properties of self-compacting concrete containing metakaolin and rice husk ash

Abstract

This paper presents strength and micro-structural properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing Metakaolin (MK) and Rice Husk Ash (RHA). For this purpose, SCC mixes were prepared where cement was replaced by weight in three proportions of 5, 10 and 15% by metakaolin; and fine aggregates were replaced by RHA in percentage of 10, 20 and 30. In total sixteen mixes were prepared. First was control mix, next three mixes were prepared with 5, 10, 15% MK as replacement of cement, next three mixes were prepared with 10, 20, 30% RHA as replacement of fine aggregates and additional nine mixes were prepared with various combinations of MK & RHA. The fresh properties tests were conducted for slump flow, L-box, U-box, and V-funnel. Tests for compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and micro-structural analysis (SEM & XRD) were conducted up to 365days.The experimental results indicate that SCC mixes produced with MK, RHA & in combination of MK & RHA satisfies norms of EFNARC. The compressive strength and splitting tensile strength results were also positive. Mixes produced with MK and RHA showed gain in compressive strength at all the ages. Micro-structural analysis confirmed the strength development pattern of SCC mixes made with MK, RHA and in combination of both.