Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Effects of Metakaolin and Scoria Lightweight Aggregate on Mechanical Properties and Permeability of Concrete under Accelerated and Standard Curing

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 Professor, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
2 PhD candidate, Faculty of Technology and Engineering, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, Iran.
10.22065/jsce.2026.531245.3764
Abstract
In this study, scoria lightweight aggregate concrete was produced with three aggregate gradation types (30–70, 40–60, and 20–40–40 including 20% natural sand) at a constant water-to-binder ratio of 0.42 and a cement content of 500 kg/m³, and was evaluated under three curing regimes: 24-h accelerated curing (X), 28-day curing, and 90-day curing. The study provides a coupled assessment of gradation type, metakaolin replacement level, and curing regime in terms of compressive strength, dynamic modulus of elasticity, water absorption, and water penetration depth. Mix CM15[90D] achieved the highest compressive strength (40 MPa), whereas CM15[X] reached 32 MPa (20% lower than the maximum). Owing to the porous nature of scoria aggregates, the dynamic modulus varied within a relatively narrow range across mixtures. CM15[X] exhibited the lowest water absorption, and CM15[90D] was only 5.5% higher than this minimum. The minimum water penetration depth was recorded for CM15[90D] (30 mm), corresponding to a 25% reduction relative to the age-matched control; the same mixture under X curing showed a 14.75% reduction. Moreover, the inverse relationship between compressive strength and water penetration depth was most consistent for gradation type C (R² = 0.9706). Overall, the combined use of metakaolin and accelerated curing enables rapid screening of mix designs within 24 h while improving durability-related indicators.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 02 February 2026

  • Receive Date 04 July 2025
  • Revise Date 21 December 2025
  • Accept Date 02 February 2026