(Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering Department), College - Rajshree Institute of Management & Technology, Bareilly (U.P)
Online published on 28 September, 2023.
This study aims to investigate the effects of incorporating silica fume and metakaolin as partial replacements for cement in fiber-reinforced concrete (FRC). The use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as silica fume and metakaolin has gained significant attention in the construction industry due to their potential to improve the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. In this research, different combinations of silica fume and metakaolin were added as partial replacements for cement in FRC mixes. The experimental program consisted of preparing FRC specimens with varying proportions of silica fume and metakaolin, while keeping the total binder content constant. Mechanical tests, including compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength, were conducted to evaluate the performance of the FRC mixes. Additionally, the durability properties of the concrete, such as chloride ion penetration resistance and carbonation resistance, were also assessed. The results showed that the addition of silica fume and metakaolin as partial cement replacements in FRC led to significant improvements in the mechanical properties. The compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength of the FRC mixes increased with the increase in the percentage of silica fume and metakaolin. Furthermore, the durability tests revealed enhanced resistance to chloride ion penetration and carbonation for the FRC specimens containing silica fume and metakaolin.
