A Comparative Study of the Properties and Durability of Binary and Ternary Cementitious Systems

The aim of this work was to investigate the properties of ternary and binary blends incorporating silica fume, metakaolin, and electric arc-furnace steel slag produced in Libya. Chloride ion penetration was studied by the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test Method, in accordance with the procedures prescribed by AASHTO T277-83[5]. The effect of the amount of pozzolanic content on the observed trends was also examined. It was determined that ternary and binary mixtures could differ significantly in both their fresh and hardened properties, which were not observed in the binary mixtures. The ternary blends incorporating metakaolin were found to have greater improvement in strength and chloride ion penetrability as compared to those mixtures incorporating the other 2 pozzolans used.