Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Metakaolin and Nylon Fiber

In Malaysia, issue to attain durable concrete structures has risen due to shortage of skilled labours. Besides pollution due to construction activities, safety and health of the workers is also a major concern. Self-compacting concrete is able to overcome the problems through its execution. Moreover, properties of SCC can be further improved via incorporation with other materials. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the strengths and water absorption of SCC containing metakaolin (MK) and nylon fiber (NF) besides determining the effects of MK and NF in SCC. Four mixes (100%C, 95%C 5%MK, 100%C 0.5%NF, 95%C 5%MK 0.5%NF) were being carried out with w/c ratio 0.4 and 1.5% super-plasticizer (SP). Fresh concrete were tested with slump flow, T500 and segregation resistance test whereas hardened concrete were tested with compressive, tensile and flexural strength test. The results of fresh SCC were consistent as all mixes mostly falls in the same class for each respective test. Based on compressive strength test, all mix proportions were able to reach at least 80% of targeted strength, 50MPa. SCC (95%C 5%MK) had the highest compressive, split tensile and flexural strength. While SCC (95%C 5%MK0.5 %NF had better testing results compare to 100%C 0.5%NF.