| dc.description.abstract | This study focused on the possibility of producing high strength concrete using ternary blended
cement i.e. three part blended cement produced by partial replacement of OPC with a blend of
metakaolin and limestone in a ratio of 2 : 1.
The compressive strength of three replacement mixes i.e. with 15%, 30% and 45% replacement
of OPC with a metakaolin-limestone blend was compared to that of a control mix (100% OPC) at
3, 7, 28, 56 and 91 days using the Strength Activity Index (SAI) method.
The 15% replacement mix had the highest strength at all ages. The 30% and 45% replacement
mixes achieved 90% and 60% (respectively) of the control mix strength by 91 days. The
replacement mixes especially the 15% replacement mix exhibited high early age strength as
compared to the control mix predominantly due to the filler effect of the limestone and
metakaolin fine particles. The replacement mixes also exhibited strength gains at later ages
predominantly due to the extended pozzolanic reaction of the metakaolin particles.
Basing on the SAI values, we concluded that this ternary blend has potential for applicability in
production of high strength concrete at OPC replacement levels between 15 and 30%. This study
also highlighted the need for further research into optimum blend ratios between metakaolin and
limestone and the optimum replacement percentage of OPC with a metakaolin-limestone blend
in concrete mixes | en_US |
