RELATIVE STRENGTH, POZZOLANIC ACTIVITY AND CEMENT HYDRATION IN SUPERPLASTICISED METAKAOLIN CONCRETE

The role of metakaolin (MK) in enhancing the strength of concrete is r eviewed and the principal mechanisms identified. Metakaolin concretes with a range of MK contents (0-30%) have been cured for periods of 1 t o 90 days. The change in relative strength with both curing time and m etakaolin content is discussed in relation to the 'filler effect', acc eleration in OPC hydration and the pozzolanic reaction. The observed r esults establish that there is an optimum OPC replacement level of 20 wt% MK and that the contribution which MK makes to strength is restric ted beyond 14 days. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd