Effect of High-Volume Metakaolin Replacement on the Performance of Fibre Reinforced Concrete with Manufactured Sand
Abstract
This study investigates the effect of high-volume metakaolin replacement on the performance of fibre reinforced concrete incorporating manufactured sand. Concrete mixes were prepared with varying metakaolin replacement levels while maintaining constant fibre dosage and water–binder ratio. Fresh concrete properties were evaluated through workability and slump loss tests, whereas hardened properties were assessed using compressive, split tensile, flexural, bond, and shear strength tests. The results indicated that workability decreased with increasing metakaolin content; however, satisfactory performance was achieved using a superplasticizer. Mechanical properties improved significantly up to an optimum replacement level of 20% metakaolin, beyond which marginal reductions were observed. Fibre reinforcement effectively enhanced crack resistance and load transfer, compensating for strength loss at higher replacement levels. Overall, the combined use of metakaolin, manufactured sand, and steel fibres provides a sustainable and structurally efficient concrete solution.
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