An investigation on the partial replacement of cement with Metakaolin and Banana fibers in the production of High Strength Concrete
Abstract
This study seeks to investigate the possibility of replacing up to 45% of Ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with a blend of metakaolin and banana fibers so as to cut down the cost of high strength concrete whilst achieving its desirable properties. Three-part blended cement was produced by partial replacement of OPC with a blend of metakaolin and banana fibers in a ratio of 2:1.
The combined effect of deploying Metakaolin (MK) and banana fibers (B) on mechanical properties of hardened concrete was assessed. Banana fibers and Metakaolin have been used as the partial replacement of cement at 0, 15, 30 and 45% by weight with banana fibers having 50mm length. Compressive strength and flexural strength were determined by using various combinations of Metakaolin and BF. A notable improvement was noticed in the strength properties of concrete when BMK was used. The addition of Metakaolin and banana fibers to the concrete improved the properties of strength as well as durability up to about 10.15% for compressive strength and 60.42% for flexural strength at the end of the curing period as compared to the control mix. On the other hand, the addition of banana fibers to the concrete results in the reduction of permeability and the improvement in the crack resistance eventually.
Therefore, basing on the SAI values and the slump values, we concluded that the BMK blend has the potential for applicability in production of HSC at 15% OPC replacement level. The study also highlights the need for further research into optimum blend ratios between metakaolin and banana fibers.