Incorporation of Silica fume and Metakaolin to improve the Durability properties in Self-curing concrete

Abstract

Concrete is a composite material that has evolved into a much-needed material in the field of construction. One of the approaches to improving the durability of concrete is by using pozzolanic materials like fly ash, silica fume, blast furnace slag, and metakaolin. Using this supplementary cementitious material, the effects of cement that cause severe environmental impacts can be eradicated. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to study the strength characteristics of M20-grade concrete mixes with partial replacement of cement by metakaolin and silica fume and full replacement of fine aggregate by M-sand. We use Polyethylene glycol 6000 as a self-curing agent to eliminate conventional curing. The replacement percentage of metakaolin is 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, and silica fume is replaced by 10% of the weight of cement, respectively. The addition of 1.5% of polyethylene glycol 6000 is used to make concrete as a self-curing concrete. Since this project focuses on replacing the cement and fine aggregate, from the optimum percentage, the cubes will be cast and tested to study the durability properties of the concrete.