Magnesium Sulfate (MgSO4) Attack and Chloride Isothermal Effects on the Self-consolidating Concrete Containing Metakaolin and Zeolite

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical and durability properties of the self-consolidating concrete (SCC) containing fine sand as filler and two types of pozzolan including metakaolin and zeolite. The limestone filler of the reference SCC is replaced by fine sand, and also partial substitution of 10% and 15% of ordinary Portland cement is replaced by metakaolin and zeolite. Also, sustainability in aggressive conditions like magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) as well as total, free and chloride binding concentration is evaluated. The results of physicochemical characterization showed that the used zeolite is clinoptilolite, which has a higher pozzolanic activity compared to the metakaolin. From this research, the SCC containing zeolite, despite the strong pozzolanic activity of zeolite, shows a low compressive strength (about two times) compared to the other SCCs. The results also showed that zeolite (optimum percent is 15%) enhanced resistance to the chloride ions penetration and resistance to MgSO4 attack, 1 and 5 times, respectively, compared to that in SCC with metakaolin.

Automated summary

This study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) with fine sand as filler and two types of pozzolan, metakaolin and zeolite. Zeolite, despite its strong pozzolanic activity, results in lower compressive strength compared to other SC. However, it enhances resistance to chloride ions penetration and MgSO4 attack compared to SCC with metakaolin.