Experimental Analysis of High-Strength Concrete Using Granite Aggregates

Abstract

The present study investigates the effect of incorporating metakaolin and silica fumes in the production of high-strength concrete along with partial replacement of coarse granite aggregates in the high-strength concrete. The higher compressive strength, refined microstructure, and decreased permeability of high-strength concrete are some of the properties responsible for its trending use in the modern construction industry. The main purpose of this research is to evaluate the effect of the replacement of coarse granite aggregates with natural aggregates on the mechanical and durability properties of high-strength concrete. For understanding the effect of metakaolin, silica fume, and granite aggregates on the properties of high-strength concrete, various specimens such as cubes, cylinders, and cylindrical discs were cast and tested after 7, 14, and 28 days of curing. Various concrete mixes were prepared by adding silica fume at 5%, 7.5%, and 10% and metakaolin at 5%, 7.5%, 10%, 12.5%, and 15% in concrete production. Furthermore, High-strength concrete mixes were also prepared by replacing natural coarse aggregates with granite coarse aggregates by 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% to study the effect of replacement percentage on the concrete properties. Test results indicated that the compressive strength and split tensile strength of the concrete mix increased with the increase in the replacement percentage of granite aggregates, with the highest strength seen at complete replacement with granite aggregate due to the enhanced compressive strength of such aggregates in comparison with the natural coarse aggregates. In various mixes cast using metakaolin and silica fume, the highest compressive strength was seen in a mix containing 10% metakaolin and 7.5% silica fume, and results of other mixes indicated that the use of silica fume and metakaolin are viable options for high-strength concrete production in our experimental study.