Utilizing binary ternary blended metakaolin and ground pond ash for reduced carbon footprint emissions and improved mechanical properties in concrete

ABSTRACT

In this empirical investigation, the effect of four concrete mixtures was examined, namely, control concrete (CC), binary blended metakaolin concrete (BBMC), binary blended pond ash concrete (BBPC), and ternary blended metakaolin and pond ash concrete (TBMPC). In this study, a total of 288 specimens were manufactured, including CC, BBMC, BBPC, and TBMPC, which were subjected to curing for 28 and 90 days. The mix compositions used were in a ratio of 1:1.75:2.22, with a water-binder ratio of 0.44. The study delved into an extensive examination of both the fresh and mechanical properties of these concrete mixtures. Additionally, the sustainability analysis for all mix proportions were computed. The results demonstrate significant enhancements in compressive strength (f_cs), split tensile strength (f_sts) and flexural strength (f_fs) with an increase of 17.82% and 19.81%, 12.32% and 13.50%, 13.34% and 14.39%. These improvements were observed specifically in the M₆P₆ mix, composed of 88% PC, 6% MK, and 6% PA. In the context of sustainability analysis, the PA₂₀ mix displayed the lowest carbon footprint emissions, measured at 351 kgCO₂/m³. On the other hand, the MK₆PA₆ mix demonstrated the highest CO₂ intensity, with values of 0.095 MPa/kgCO₂·m³ and 0.114 MPa/kgCO₂·m³.

Keywords
Metakaolin; Pond ash; Fresh properties; Mechanical properties; Carbon footprint emissions