Relationships between Mortar Spread and the Fresh Properties of SCC Containing Local Metakaolin

Abstract

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) production is a complex operation that requires finding a good combination and suitable dosages for its constituents. Several formulation methods have been developed to meet the workability requirements of SCC. Mortar spread is used to estimate SCC’s rheological properties, but the use of supplementary cementitious materials, such as metakaolin, could affect the accuracy of the estimation. In this paper, the relationships between the fresh properties of local-metakaolin (MK)-based SCC and the spreading of its mortar portion were investigated. The results showed the existence of good correlations between the spreading of mortar portion of SCC and its fresh state properties. The partial substitution of cement with MK did not affect these correlations. The mortar flow should be chosen according to the required rheological properties of the SCC. This can be achieved by using an appropriate viscosity-enhancing agent (VEA).

Keywords

• metakaolin
• SCM
• SCC
• mortar spread
• flow time
• viscosity