Mechanical and microstructural properties of self-compacting concrete blended with metakaolin, ground granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanical and microstructural properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures containing three supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), namely metakaolin, ground granulated blast-furnace slag and fly ash. For the mixtures, cement was replaced by SCMs at different levels. The mechanical properties were evaluated against a control mixture (without SCM). The microstructural properties were examined using SEM and EDS on mixtures with high volume of SCMs. The utilisation of SCMs enhanced compressive strengths. Metakaolin gave the most enhancing effect as a replacement material to cement on mechanical and microstructural properties of SCC at all ages.