Durability of metakaolin Self-Compacting Concrete

• The durability of SCC mixtures incorporating mk is generally enhanced.
• The capillary pore system is more affected by mk than the open pore system.
• The chloride penetration resistance is enhanced by more than two classes.
• The surface water permeability of the mk concrete appears to be inferior.
• The sorptivity and the chloride migration coefficients correlate well with fcc.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the durability of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC) incorporating metakaolin (mk). For the mixture preparation, cement or limestone powder were replaced by mk at different levels. The estimated properties (open porosity, sorptivity, water and gas permeability, chloride penetrability) were evaluated against a reference mixture (without mk). The incorporation of mk improved durability, but not the near surface water permeability of the concrete. Equations expressing the effect of the replacement level on the examined properties were formulated, whenever appropriate. The most enhancing effect of mk as a replacement material was observed in the chloride penetration resistance.