Durability of mortars modified with metakaolin

Results of an investigation to determine the effects of metakaolin additions on transport properties of mortars are reported. Comparisons are made to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) to determine the influence of addition and replacement percentage. Cement is replaced on a mass basis of 5-20% for metakaolin. A mixture with natural kaolin is also studied. The transport properties and chemical behaviors are analyzed by means of chloride diffusion tests and sulfate immersion. Obserdvations after more than 100 days are used to prescribe mixtures that reduce the rate of chloride diffusion and sulfate degradation. For metakaolin, the optimum seems to be between 10% and 15% with regard to inhibition effect on chloride diffusion and sulfate attack. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.