Optimization of Self-Consolidating Concrete Containing Metakaolin Using Statistical Models

摘要

This paper uses the statistical design of experiments method to optimize the mixture design for self-consolidating concrete (SCC) incorporating metakaolin. Factors (variables) studied were total binder content, percentage of metakaolin in the mixture, water-to-binder ratio, and curing conditions. The range of the chosen factors was determined using the central composite design (CCD) of experiments method. A total of 20 mixtures were tested at both the fresh state and after a curing period of 28 days. The fresh, hardened, and durability performance of the SCC mixtures were compared based on two sets of tests. The first set of tests was implemented to evaluate the fresh properties of the mixture including slump flow, V-funnel, L-box, J-ring, and air content tests. The second set of tests involved compressive strength and rapid chloride permeability tests (RCPT) at 28 days. Two curing regimes were used for each statistical model for comparison including air and water curing. The results obtained from the developed CCD models were exploited to determine the most significant factors affecting the properties of SCC and the optimum level of each variable.