International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 4, No.

2, May 2015

Study on Strength Properties of Ternary Blended

Concrete with Fiber
Shreeshail B Heggond, Purva P. Awari, and Ramesh Pujar
Civil Engineering Department, SJCET Palghar, Maharashtra, India


Abstract—Concrete is a versatile material extensively used world like in the oil, gas, nuclear and power industries
in construction applications throughout the world. Properly are among the major uses. The application of such
placed and cured concrete exhibits excellent compressive- concrete is increasing day by day due to their superior
force-resisting characteristics In the present experimental structural performance, environmental friendliness and
investigation a mix design high strength concrete of M60 & energy conserving implications. Apart from the usual risk
M80 is tried using triple blending technique with ternary
blend of condensed silica fume and metakaolin as partial
of fire, these concretes are exposed to high temperatures
replacement by weight of cement at various blended and pressures for considerable periods of times in the
percentages ranging between 5% – 15% with steel fibers above mentioned industries. Applications of mineral
having aspect ratio of 50. The various proportions of steel admixtures such as silica fume, metakaolin and ground
fibers are added at 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25% and 1.5% as granulated blast furnace slag in concrete are effective
total fiber percentages. The workability is measured for its easy to future increase the strength and make durable for
consistency using compaction factor method. The present high strength concrete.
work is on finding the optimum replacement of cement by
metakaolin, condensed silica fume and ternary blend of A. High Strength Concrete
condensed silica fume and metakaolin from which Metakaolin is the pozzolanic material which is mainly
maximum benefit in various strengths and workability of derived from a clay mineral “kaolinite”, since it is
the mix can be obtained. The results of fiber reinforced
specimens with various percentages of ternary blend are
calcined at higher temperatures it’s named as
compared with control specimens to study the behavior of “metakaolin,” A further advantage of pozzolan mortars is
FRC properties with various percentages of the blends as their lower environmental impact, when compared to
partial replacement by weight of cement. Sufficient number cement mortars, due to lower energy consumption during
of cubes, cylinders and beams were cast. The cast specimens production and CO2 absorption by carbonation. The
were tested for the change in compression, tension and addition of metakaolin to mortars and concretes also has
flexural strength at 7 & 28 days for M60. The cast a positive effect in terms of durability. Calcium
specimens were tested for the change in compression, hydroxide accounts for up to 25% of the hydrated
tension and flexural strength at 28 days for M80. It is Portland cement, and calcium hydroxide does not
concluded that specimens with total fiber content of 1.5%
showed better strength in all proportions and blend
contribute to the concrete’s strength or durability.
proportion of 10% condensed silica fume and 5% Metakaolin combines with the calcium hydroxide to
metakaolin showed maximum strength in compression, produce additional cementing compounds, the material
tension and flexural. responsible for holding concrete together. Less calcium
hydroxide and more cementing compounds means
Index Terms—HPC1, Metakaolin 2, FRC3 stronger concrete. Metakaolin, because it is very fine and
highly reactive nature, gives fresh concrete a creamy,
non-sticky texture that makes finishing easier. Extensive
I. INTRODUCTION reaserch work has been carried on the use of pozzolanas
in construction materials. Out of the above pozzolonas
Concrete is the mostly used material in various types
admixtures fly ash can be considered as the one, which is
of construction, from the flooring of a hut to a multi
abundantly available. Fly ash concrete possesses certain
storied high rise structure from pathway to an airport
desirable and enhanced properties compared to ordinary
runway, from an underground tunnel and deep sea
plane concrete. Metakaolin made from purified kaolin is
platform to high-rise chimneys and TV Towers. In the
not industrial waste product, can be recommended to be
last millennium concrete has demanding requirements
used along with cement to derive certain enhanced
both in terms of technical performance and economy
properties for concrete in special situations.
while greatly varying from architectural masterpieces to
In the present investigation an attempt has been made
the simplest of utilities. It is the most widely used
to study the properties of concrete such as workability,
construction materials. It is difficult to point out another
compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural
material of construction which is as versatile as concrete.
strength of fibrous concrete composite with addition of
High strength concrete is used extensively throughout the
various proportion of condensed silica fume and
metakaolin as partial replacement by weight of cement to
 Manuscript received December 11, 2014; revised May 21, 2015.
arrive at optimum properties.

© 2015 Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 178

doi: 10.18178/ijscer.4.2.178-183
 International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 4, No. 2, May 2015

II. MATERIAL DETAILS when added to the concrete causes increase in the
workability. They consist mainly of naphthalene or
The scope of present investigation is to study strength
melamine sulphonates, usually condensed in the presence
properties on plain concrete, concrete with replacement
of formaldehyde.
of varying percentages of metakaolin and silica fume
along with steel fibres in different total percentages of E. Triple Blending Mixes Tried in the Present
0%, 0.5%, 0.75%, 1.0%, 1.25%, and 1.5% for M60 & Investigation
M80 concrete mix. In the present investigation triple blending cement
A. Cement concrete mixes have been tried for various strength
properties. Mineral admixtures like CSF & MK have
Locally available Ordinary Portland Cement of 53
been employed along with cement and triple blended
grade of ULTRATECH Cement brand confirming to ISI
cement concrete mixes are prepared. The respective
standards has been procured and following tests have
percentages of CSF & Mk have been varied from 0% to
been carried out.
15% as replacement of cement. Steel fibers of 1mm dia
B. Metakaolin & 50mm length with an aspect ratio of 50 have been tried
The Metakaolin is obtained from the 20 Microns along with above mixes. The fiber % has been varied
limited Company at Vadodara in Gujarat by the brand from 0 to a maximum of 1.5%
name Metacem 85 C. The specific gravity of Metakaolin F. Mix Design Calculations
is 2.5. The Metakaolin is in conformity with the general
Design of High Strength Concrete By Doe Method
requirement of pozzolana. The Physical and chemical
Estimated quantities in 1 m3 of M60 concrete :
results are tabulated in Table I and Table II.
Cement = 590.94kg
TABLE I. PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF METAKAOLIN GIVEN Fine aggregates = 597.21kg
Coarse aggregates = 1016.88kg
Specific Gravity: 2.54 D10 <2.0um Water = 195kg
Physical Form: Powder D50 <4.5um The ratio comes to be 1: 1.07: 1.75@0.33 for M60
Color: Off-White D90 <25um grade concrete.
Brightness: 80-82Hunter L BD (lbs/ft3) 20-25 Estimated quantities in 1 m3 of M80 concrete :
2 Cement = 650 kg
BET:surface area 15 m /gram BD(g/cm3) 0.4
Fine aggregates = 559.8 kg
Coarse aggregates = 995.2 kg
TABLE II. CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF METAKAOLIN GIVEN
Water = 195 kg
SiO2 51-53% CaO <0.20% The ratio comes to be 1: 0.86: 1.53 @ 0.30 for M80
AlO3 42-44% MgO <0.10% grade concrete
Fe2 O3 <2.20% Na2O <0.05%
TiO2 <3.0% K2O <0.40% III. MOULDING OF SPECIMENS AND CURING
SO4 <0.5% L.O.I. <0.50%
Li2O5 <0.2% In the present investigation grade of concretes M60 &
M80 has been considered. The mix of concrete is
C. Silica Fume and Its Sources designed as per the guidelines given in DOE method
Silica fume is, when collected, an ultra fine powder (32,38,31), subsequently mixes were prepared with a
have the basic properties are Atleast 85% SiO2 content. partial replacement of cement by Condensed silica fume
Mean particle size between 0.1 and 0.2 micron. & Metakaolin at percentages of 5,10,15% by weight of
Minimum specific surface of 15,000 m2/kg. Spherical cement along with 0, 0.5%, 0.75%,1.0%, 1.25% and
particle shape. 1.5% of steel fibers.
The powder is normally grey in color but this can vary Initially the ingredients of concrete viz., coarse
according to the source. aggregate, fine aggregate, cement, condensed silica fume
Fine aggregate: The locally available Natural river and Metakaolin were mixed to which the water and
sand conforming to grading zone-II has been used as Fine Superplasticizer were added and thoroughly mixed.
aggregate. Following tests have been carried out per the Water was measured exactly. Then it is applied to the dry
procedure given in IS 383 (1970Machine crushed granite mix and it was thoroughly mixed until a mixture of
confirming to IS 383-1970 [12] consisting 20 mm uniform color and consistency was achieved which is
maximum size of aggregates has been obtained from the then ready for casting. Prior to casting of specimens,
local quarry. It has been tested for physical and Workability is measured in accordance [9], [17] and is
mechanical properties such as Specific gravity, Sieve determined by slump test and compaction factor test.
Analysis, Bulk density, Crushing and Impact values Superplasticizer SP 430 supplied by Fosroc Ltd. was
added upto 4 % to maintain the mix in workable
D. Super Plasticizer- condition,
The super plasticizer used in this experiment is SP430. After the casting, the moulds are kept for air curing for
It is manufactured by FOSROC, Bangalore. Super one day and the specimens were removed from the
Plasticizers are new class of generic materials which moulds after 24 hours period of moulding of concrete.

© 2015 Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 179

 International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 4, No. 2, May 2015

Marking has been done on the specimens to identify specimens, they were placed in water tank for curing as
the %Condensed silica fume and %Metakaolin. To shown in photograph 3.5 and 3.6. All the specimens have
maintain the constant moisture on the surface of the been cured for the desired age.

TABLE III COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH USING 1.25% FIBERS- RESULTS

7 days Compressive strength using 1.25% fibers- 28 days Compressive strength using 1.25% fibers-
results results
[Link] %CSF % MK
% increase %increase over Strength % increase % increase over
Strengthin N/mm2
over 0% preceding in N/mm2 over 0% preceding
M0 0 0 51.68 - - 72.30 - -
M1 15 0 53.60 3.70 3.70 74.10 2.48 2.48
M2 0 15 55.70 7.70 3.90 77.56 7.27 4.66
M3 5 10 52.70 1.97 -5.30 78.50 8.57 1.21
M4 10 5 54.50 5..40 3.40 78.50 8.57 0.00

B. Workability
Workability of various triple blended mixes was
determined by using slump cone and compaction factor
apparatus. With water cement ratio of 0.33 and with an
addition of maximum 2% superplasticizer the M60
concrete mixes with blended admixtures of condensed
silica fume and metakaolin were found to have a
compaction factor of 0.89 to [Link] tests showed
decreased values of slump and compaction factor with
Figure. 1. Compression strength test in progress
increase in total percentage of blended admixtures of
CSF and MK. With total steel fibre percent of 0.5, 1.0
and 1.5 and 1.5 super plasticizer in the M60 concrete mix
with blended admixtures of 10% CSF and 5% MK and
for the same water cement ratio the workability is found
to be nearly 0.86 to 0.81.
With water cement ratio of 0.3 and with an addition of
maximum 4% superplasticizer the M80 concrete mixes
with blended admixtures of condensed silica fume and
metakaolin were found to have a compaction factor of
0.93 to [Link] tests showed decreased values of slump
Figure. 2. Flexure Test in Progress
and compaction factor with increase in total percentage
of blended admixtures of CSF and MK. With total steel
fibre percent of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 and 3.55 super plasticizer
in the
M80 concrete mix with blended admixtures of 10%
CSF and 5% MK and for the same water cement ratio the
workability is found to be nearly 0.87 to 0.81.
C. Compressive Strength

94
92
Figure. 3. Split Tensile Strength Test in Progress 90
88
IV. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS 86 0%M
84 etak
A. General 82 aolin
80
In the present project work experimental investigation 78
is carried out on Triple Blended Concrete mixes using 0 5 10 15 20
two mineral admixtures- condensed silica fume and
metakaolin along with ordinary portland cement. Various
proportions of Silica Fume and Metakaolin are tried as The results and graphs are as shown in Table III and graph 1.
replacement to cement. Strength properties of concrete
mixes prepared using these Triple Blended Cement mixes 1). It has been observed that with the addition of Silica
are determined. the results obtained are discussed herein. fume and Metakaolin, the strength of concrete at the age

© 2015 Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 180

 International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 4, No. 2, May 2015

of 28 days has increased with various proportions of the 5% MK showed decreasing trend in compressive strength
mix. The increase in strength is in the range of 2.01% - showing minimum strength of 87.0 N/mm2, at a
20.94% (Table 4.1) for M60 and 2% - 10.36% (Table combination of 10% CSF and 15% MK in the M80
4.13) for M80. On analysing the tested specimens it is concrete mix but still exhibited higher strength and an
observed that the bonding between the concrete materials increase of 3.67% than the base reference mix without
is of very high quality. The combination of blended any admixtures.
admixtures of 10% CSF and 5% MK by partial 2). Among the fibres percentages, 1.5% is found to
replacement by weight of cement has showed high give the highest compressive strength among all the
increase in strength by 20.94% & 10.36% when fibrous mixes. Compare to the same mix without fibres
compared base reference mix. The Blended mix the strength increase is nearly 17% and compare to base
proportions beyond this combination of 10% CSF and mix it is 27.38%.

TABLE IV. SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH USING 1.25% FIBERS- RESULTS

7 days Split tensile strength using 1.25% fibers- 28 days Split tensile strength using 1.25% fibers-
results results
[Link] %CSF % MK
Strength % increase %increase over Strength % increase % increase over
in N/mm2 over 0% preceding in N/mm2 over 0% preceding
M0 0 0 4.52 - - 5.86 - -
M1 15 0 6.04 33.62 33.62 6.51 11.09 11.09
M2 0 15 5.08 12.38 -15.89 6.10 4.09 -6.29
M3 5 10 5.01 10.84 -1.35 6.04 3.07 0.98
M4 10 5 4.83 6.85 -3.58 6.57 12.11 8.77

D. Split Tensile Strength mix concrete with total steel fibre percentage of 1.5 and
admixture percentages of 10% CSF and 5% MK showed
15 maximum increase in strength of 211.87% when
compared to base reference mix without admixture and
fibre and other specimens with total fiber percentages of
10 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 and 1.25 also exhibited higher strengths
0%M when compared to base reference mix. .
5 etaka 3). Among the fibres percentages, 1.5% is found to
olin give the highest compressive strength among all the
0 fibrous mixes. Compare to the same mix without fibres
the strength increase is nearly 96% and compare to base
0 5 10 15 20
mix it is 211.87%.
E. Flexural Strength:
The results and graphs are as shown in table-4 and graph 2
15
1). It has been observed that with the addition of Silica
fume and Metakaolin, the strength of concrete at the age
10
of 28 days has increased with various proportions of the
0%M
mix. The increase in strength is in the range of 1.88% - etaka
5
18.16% (Table 4.5) for M60 and 16.75% - 118.85% olin
(Table 4.19) for M80. On analysing the tested specimens
0
it is observed that the bonding between the concrete
materials is of very high quality. The combination of 0 5 10 15 20
blended admixtures of 10% CSF and 5% MK by partial
replacement by weight of cement has showed high The results and graphs are as shown in Table 5 and Graph 3
increase in strength by 18.16% & 118.85% when
compared base reference mix. The Blended mix 1). It has been observed that with the addition of Silica
proportions beyond this combination of 10% CSF and fume and Metakaolin, the strength of concrete at the age
5% MK showed decreasing trend in compressive strength of 28 days has increased with various proportions of the
showing minimum strength of 7.96 N/mm2, at a mix. The increase in strength is in the range of 2.09% -
combination of 10% CSF and 15% MK in the M80 18.81% for M60 and 18.21% - 66.16% for M80. On
concrete mix but still exhibited higher strength and an analysing the tested specimens it is observed that the
increase of 38.92% than the base reference mix without bonding between the concrete materials is of very high
any admixtures. quality. The combination of blended admixtures of 10%
2). The same trend is observed with steel fibers in the CSF and 5% MK by partial replacement by weight of
M80 Concrete mix with various combinations of blended cement has showed high increase in strength by 18.81%
percentages of CSF and MK. It is found that the M80 & 66.16% when compared base reference mix. The

© 2015 Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 181

 International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 4, No. 2, May 2015

Blended mix proportions beyond this combination of the M80 concrete mix but still exhibited higher strength
10% CSF and 5% MK showed decreasing trend in and an increase of 34.65% than the base reference mix
compressive strength showing minimum strength of 9.83 without any admixtures.
N/mm2, at a combination of 10% CSF and 15% MK in

TABLE V. FLEXURAL STRENGTH USING 1.25% FIBERS- RESULTS

7 days Flexural strength using 1.25% fibers- results 28 Flexural strength using 1.25% fibers- results
[Link] %CSF % MK
Strength % increase over %increase over Strength % increase % increase
in N/mm2 0% preceding in N/mm2 over 0% over preceding
M0 0 0 5.77 - - 6.71 - -
M1 15 0 6.00 3.98 3.98 6.86 2.23 2.23
M2 0 15 5.20 -9.87 -13.33 6.00 -10.58 -12.53
M3 5 10 6.37 10.39 22.50 6.71 0.00 11.83
M4 10 5 6.40 10.91 0.47 7.80 16.24 16.24

2). In the case of blended CSF and MK at higher The highest flexural strength with 10% CSF 5% MK
percentage of replacement by weight of cement, the and 1.5% fibre is high by nearly 163.97% than that of
strength has decreased when compared to mixes with reference mix.
lower replacement. 15% is focused to be optimum with On the basis of the present experimental study it is
the both admixtures. finally concluded that optimum concrete mixes can be
3). Among the fibres percentages, 1.5% is found to obtained by carrying out triple blending with Condensed
give the highest compressive strength among all the silica fume and Metakaolin. These mixes posses not only
fibrous mixes. Compare to the same mix without fibres higher strength but also many other beneficial properties
the strength increase is nearly 98% and compare to base like better durability, better crack resistance, low
mix it is 163.97%. permeability, cost effectiveness etc. Triple blended
concrete mixes are quite suitable for high performance
V. CONCLUSIONS concrete(HPC).
Based on the experimental study undertaken the
VI. SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE WORK
following conclusions are drawn.
An effective and efficient triple blended concrete mix Further work may be continued with triple blended
can be prepared with the addition of condensed silica concrete mixes using other type of mineral admixtures.
fume and Metakaolin to OPC. This triple blended mix is Work may be carried out on long term properties.
not only cost effective also it renders the concrete to Testing of prototype elements may be conducted to asses
achieve several beneficial properties. the flexural properties like deflections, rotations, ductility,
When the mineral admixtures like silica fume or crack formation etc.
Metakaolin are added at higher percentages to cement,
the workability of concrete is getting reduced. There is a REFERENCES
need to add superplasticizer dosage to maintain constant [1] ACI 234R-06, “Guide for the use of silica fume in concrete,”
medium workability. American Concrete Institute.
In the case of triple blended concrete 10% CSF & 5% [2] ACI 544.1R-96, “Report on fiber reinforced concrete,” American
MK gives highest strength without fibre reinforcement Concrete Institute, Reapproved 2009.
[3] ACI 544.4R-88, “Design considerations for steel fiber reinforced
As the total percent of fibre is increased the concrete,” American Concrete Institute.
compressive strength is also increasing. [4] ASTM A 820M-06, Specification for Steel Fibers for Fiber
The highest compressive strength for fibre mixes is Reinforced Concrete, ASTM International.
obtained with 10% CSF & 5% MK and 1.5% steel fibre. [5] R. V. Balendran, T. M. Rana, T. Maqsood, and W. C. Tang,
"Strength and durability performance of HPC incorporating
Split tensile strength is more in the case of triple pozzolans at elevated temperatures," Structural Survey, vol. 20, pp.
blended concrete. Highest tensile strength is obtained 123–128, 2002.
with 10% CSF and 5% MK. [6] J. J. Brooks, et al., “Effect of admixtures on the setting times of
Highest tensile strength is obtained with 10% CSF 5% high-strength concrete” Cement Concrete Compos, vol. 22, pp.
293-301, 2000.
MK and 1.5% total steel fibres [7] M. A. Caldarone and K. A. Gruber, “High reactivity metakaolin
Flexural strengths are also higher for triple blended (HRM) for high performance concrete,” Special Publications, vol.
concretes with various combinations, these values are 153, pp. 815-828, June1995.
further increased with addition of fibres. [8] M. A. Caldarone, et al., “High reactivity metakaolin: A new
generation mineral admixture,” Concrete Int., vol. 34, pp. 37-40,
Without fibres for a combination of 10% CSF and 5% November 1994.
MK the flexural strength is higher than the reference. For [9] F. Curcio, et al., “Metakaolin as a pozzolanic microfiller for high-
other combinations the increase is in between. performance mortars,” Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 28.
no. 6, pp. 803-809, June 1998.

© 2015 Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 182

 International Journal of Structural and Civil Engineering Research Vol. 4, No. 2, May 2015

[10] S. Ghosh, S. Bhattacharjya, and S. Chakraborty “Compressive [16] Methods of Test for Aggregates for Concrete, Part 1 Particle Size
behaviour of short fibre reinforced concrete,” Magazine of and Shape, BIS, I.S. 2386 (Part 1) 1963.
Concrete Research, vol. 59, no. 8, pp. 567–574, 2007. [17] Mixing, Laying, Compaction, Curing and Other Construction
[11] S. Ghosh, S. Bhattacharjya, and S. Chakraborty “Mechanics of Aspects, BIS, I.S. 6461 (Part 7) 1973.
steel fibre reinforced composite in flexural shear,” in Proc. Int. [18] Recommendations for use of Table Vibrators for Consolidating
Conf. CENeM –2007, Bengal Engg. and Science University, Concrete, BIS, I.S. 7246 1974.
Shibpur, India, Jan 11-14, 2007. [19] Specification for Admixtures for Concrete, BIS, I.S. 9103-1999.
[12] Specification for Course and Fine Aggregate from Natural [20] Recommend Guidelines for Concrete Mix Design, BIS, I.S.
Sources for Concrete, BIS, I.S. 383-1970, 10262-1982.
[13] Code of Practice of Plain and Reinforced Concrete, BIS, I.S. 456- [21] Recommended Guidelines for Concrete Mix Design, BIS, I.S.
2000. 10262-2009.
[14] Method of Test for Strength of Concrete, BIS, I.S. 516-1959. [22] Specification for 53 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement, BIS, I.S.
[15] India Standard Specification for Pozzolanas, Bureau of Indian 12269-1987.
Standards, I.S. 1344-1968. [23] Indian Standard Specification for Admixtures for Concrete, BIS,
I.S. 7869 (Part 2)-1981.

© 2015 Int. J. Struct. Civ. Eng. Res. 183