Title: Assessment of Hardened Concrete Properties of MgO-SIO2 Binder Systems

Author(s): Vineet Shah and Allan Scott

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 118

Issue: 2

Appears on pages(s): 223-232

Keywords: hydrotalcite; magnesium oxide; metakaolin; resistivity; shrinkage

DOI: 10.14359/51730418

Date: 3/1/2021

Abstract:
Magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H) formed by the reaction between magnesium oxide and amorphous silica in water imparts strength-binding characteristics similar to that of portland cement (PC). Analysis of both the mechanical and durability parameters of MgO-SiO2 binder is essential for its adoption as an alternative cementitious material. This study investigates the mechanical and transport properties of MgO-SiO2 binder concrete. Silica fume and metakaolin were used as amorphous silica sources in the binder. The implications of the addition of magnesium carbonate in MgO-SiO2 binder concrete was also investigated. Along with the compressive strength, other hardened properties of concrete including elastic modulus, shrinkage, porosity, sorptivity, permeability, and resistivity were measured at 7, 28, and 90 days. The overall performance of the concrete was improved through the use of metakaolin instead of silica fume in terms of compressive strength, elastic modulus, and shrinkage. The transport properties of the magnesium oxide and metakaolin mixture were found to be better or similar compared to PC, which was attributed to the refined pore structure and lower porosity. The addition of magnesium carbonate further helped to improve the overall performance of the concrete through likely the formation of hydrotalcite type phases.