Early Age Strength and Heat of Hydration Properties of Concrete containing Silica Fume and Metakaolin

This research work is related to heat of hydration and mechanical properties of the concrete containing silica fume and metakaolin. Total five mixes of concrete were prepared with varying percentages of metakaolin and silica fume. The heat of hydration, tensile strength, compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete that contain silica fume and metakaolin were determined by testing cylinders, beams and cubes. There was replacement of silica fume and metakaolin as 10% and 0-15% respectively in all mixes except control mix. The rise of temperature due to heat of hydration in concrete was calculated by using semi adiabatic approach. The strength of concrete with silica fume and metakaolin increases with curing age as compared to control mix. It was observed that when quantity of metakaolin is increased from 0-10% in silica fume concrete, the temperature rise of concrete was reduced. It was also perceived that further increase in metakaolin i.e. 15% in silica fume concrete results in reduction of strength. Therefore, it can be inferred for the study that silica fume concrete with metakaolin can be used in colder areas where early age strength is required and in mass concrete construction where lower temperature is needed.