Effect of Sulfate in Sand on Some Mechanical Properties of Nano Metakaolin Normal Concrete

Abstract

This study aims to obtain the influence of adding Nano metakaolin on some mechanical properties of hardened concrete. Three levels of SO3 in sand were investigated, these levels were (0.27 (reference SO3), 0.5 and 1% by weight of fine aggregate). One level of Nano metakaolin replacements (1 % by weight of cement) were used in this work. Nano metakaolin and SO3 contents were the only variables among the mixtures. Sulfates had its detrimental effect on properties of concrete. The presence of Nano metakaolin in normal concrete (NC) mixes played a vital role in reducing the deterioration due to sulfates action. The experimental results show that there is an optimum gypsum content in sand (SO3 = 0.5% by weight of fine aggregate) which gives the highest results in compressive strength, splitting strength and modulus of elasticity of NC. As gypsum content increases beyond this limit, the above mechanical properties will be decreased.