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In this study, experimental findings on the resistance to magnesium sulfate attack of portland cement mortar and paste specimens incorporating metakaolin (MK) are presented. Specimens with four replacement levels of metakaolin (0, 5, 10 and 15% of cement by mass) were exposed to solutions with concentrations of 0.424% and 4.24% as MgSO 4 at ambient temperature. The resistance of mortar specimens was evaluated through visual examination and linear expansion measurements. Additionally, in order to identify the products formed by magnesium sulfate attack, microstructural analyses such as XRD, DSC and SEM/EDS were also performed on the paste samples incorporating metakaolin. Results confirmed that mortar specimens with a high replacement level of metakaolin exhibited lower resistance to a higher concentration of magnesium sulfate solution. It was found that the negative effect of metakaolin on the magnesium sulfate attack is partially attributed to the formation of gypsum and thaumasite. Conclusively, it is necessary to pay a special attention when using metakaolin in concrete structures, particularly under highly concentrated magnesium sulfate environment.

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