Incorporating metakaolin in paving blocks: effect on physical and mechanical properties

ABSTRACT

This article investigated the influence of the incorporation of metakaolin in paving blocks. Two methods of incorporation were conducted in two factories. The first method consisted of addition with 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% metakaolin in relation to the amount of cement, and the second one analysed the partial replacement of cement in the contents of 4, 8, and 10%. The results showed that in mixtures with replacement, the metakaolin did not show improvements in all properties. In contrast, in cases with addition, the compressive strength improved, and absorption was reduced. In both methods, the abrasion resistance did not change with the incorporation of metakaolin. Finally, the addition of 10% proved to be sufficient for application in paving blocks.

KEYWORDS:

• Paving blocks
• metakaolin
• compressive strength
• abrasion resistance
• water absorption

Acknowledgements

The authors thank CAPES (Brazilian Coordination for the Improvement of High Education Personnel) and FACEPE (Foundation for the Support of Science and Technology in Pernambuco State) for the financial support, and the Lajes Timbi and Premofort companies for providing the structure for the sample preparation. The authors also are grateful for the L’Oréal-UNESCO-ABC ‘For Women in Science’.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by CAPES [Grant Number 88882.380324/2019-01]; Fundação de Amparo a Ciência e Tecnologia do Estado de Pernambuco; L'Oreal USA.