An experimental study on effects of glass fiber and Metakaolin on the rheological, mechanical, and durability properties of self compacting concrete

Previous studies has shown that reinforced self-compacting concrete with fiber is more suitable for structural performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of Metkaolin and alkali resistant glass fibers on the performance of self-compacting concrete. In this study, the rheological properties (L-Box, Slump flow, T50) and mechanical properties (compressive strength, tensile and flexural strength), and durability (chloride ion penetration and water absorption) have been investigated. The results of the experiments showed that by increasing the amount of fiber, the concrete performance decreases. It was also found that the glass fiber had no positive effect on the compressive strength of the concrete. The tensile and flexural strength of self-compacting reinforced concrete increases with increasing fiber content. Durability studies have shown that the presence of glass fiber initially increases the resistance to chloride ion penetration and then reduces it, and also increases the gradual absorption of concrete water. The results of the experiments showed that the simultaneous presence of Metkaolin and glass fibers with optimal percentages can significantly improve the mechanical properties and durability of self-compacting concrete.