Abstract
An experimental investigation was conducted to evaluate the performance of mortars with and without Metakaolin (MK) exposed to elevated temperatures 200oC, 400oC, 600oC and 800oC for two hours. The binder to sand ratio was kept constant (1:5.23). The ordinary Portland cement (OPC) was replaced with MK at 0%, 5%, 10% 20% and 30%. All mixtures were designed to have a flow of 94 ?5%. The compressive strength of mortars before and after exposure to elevated temperature was determined. The formation of various decomposition phases were identified using X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The microstructure of the mortars was examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). Test results indicated that MK improves the compressive strength before and after exposure to elevated temperature and that the 20% cement replacement of MK is the optimum percentage.