Utilisation of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) in Optimizing High-Strength Concrete Containing Microfine MetakaolinBy

Abstract

Abstract This paper presents the results of an investigation into the effect of Metakaolin (MK) inclusion on the properties of concrete. Concrete has been used in this research and Metakaolin was used to replace part of the cement at 0, 5, 10, and 15% replacement levels. The replacement was done on a mass-for-mass basis. All concrete samples have been subjected to water curing until the age of testing using compressive strength, porosity, and water absorption. All evaluated data were extended for prediction analysis using response surface methodology. In general, the inclusion of Metakaolin increases strength and reduces the rate of porosity and water absorption on concrete. From the experiment, the inclusion of Metakaolin at 10% replacement gives the optimum result for all testing compared to other samples. Furthermore, a model equation by relating all data was generated and can be adapted for predicting future data. Hence, the inclusion of Metakaolin for normal curing in terms of compressive strength, porosity and water absorption for normal curing shows improvement when compared to the control specimen.