Study of the reactivity of cement/metakaolin binders at early age for specific use in steam cured precast concrete

The paper presents the results of a hydration study performed in order to explain the significant increase in compressive strength at one day of age observed on steam cured mortars when 25% by mass of cement was replaced with a metakaolin. Two CEM I 52.5R cements, differing in reactivity, and a metakaolin (MK) were used. By means of XRD and thermal analysis carried out on cement pastes, blended or not with MK, the main results showed that the improvement in strength at one day of age could be explained by the occurrence of a pozzolanic reaction due to MK, thermo-activated by the high curing temperature (55 °C). The pozzolanic reaction was observed through the consumption of calcium hydroxide and an increase in the amount of C–S–H and C–S–A–H hydrated phases. This change in the hydration product nature and amount was more pronounced when MK was combined with the less reactive cement, in agreement with the mechanical results on mortars. These results are of great importance for the concrete industry where the current trend is to decrease the clinker content in cements (1 ton of clinker = 1 ton of CO₂ released). In particular, the interesting mechanical performance at early ages can be helpful for precast concrete manufacturing.