Efficacy of Natural Zeolite and Metakaolin as Partial Alternatives to Cement in Fresh and Hardened High Strength Concrete

Urbanization and industrialization have dramatically increased the manufacture of cement causing substantial pollution of the environment. The primary global concern related to cement manufacture has been the management of the large carbon footprints. The usages of environmentally friendly cementitious materials in the construction of structures have proved to be a viable option to deal with this environmental concern. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the usage of cementitious materials which can replace cement albeit partially. In this direction of research, two such cementitious materials, namely, natural zeolite and metakaolin have been investigated in this study. High-strength concrete M60 with natural zeolite and metakaolin as the partial replacements for the cement has been prepared in this work. Polycarboxylic ether-based superplasticizer solution has been used to enhance workability. The test specimen cast and cured for 3, 7, 28, 60, and 90 days at ambient room temperature has been tested for compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength as per the Indian standards. The optimum mix of high-strength concrete thus manufactured has met the Indian standards, and the combination of cement +5% natural zeolite +10% metakaolin has exhibited the highest compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths at 90 days of curing. Natural zeolite and metakaolin when used in smaller proportions have increased the concrete strength, and these materials are recommended for partial replacement of cement.