Experimental Study and Analysis of Strength Properties and Sulfate Resistance of Self-Compacting Concrete Using Different Admixtures

The strength characteristics and sulfate resistance of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing Class-F fly ash and metakaolin were investigated in an experimental study. Class-F fly ash and Metakaolin were added in varying proportions to the combinations, from 10% to 25%. The qualities were analyzed and discussed. These included the properties of both fresh concrete (slump flow, L-box, V funnel, and U-box) and hardened concrete (sulfate resistance and compressive strength). Class-F fly ash was used in self-compacting concrete (SCC) formulations, which showed 28-day compressive strengths between 30 and 40 MPa. The compressive strength decreased by 15.28% when cured in a MgSO4 solution as opposed to the control mix cured in water, with values ranging from 24 to 35 MPa. The compressive strength ranged from 34 to 54 MPa after curing in a MgSO4 solution, representing a 15.38% reduction from the control mix that was cured in water