Impact of metakaolin and crumb rubber on fire resistance of concrete bricks

It is hypothesized that the inclusion of metakaolin (MK) improved the thermal stability of the concrete by refining its microstructure and reducing its thermal conductivity. Conversely, crumb rubber (CR) is anticipated to impart increased flexibility and energy absorption capacity, potentially enhancing the concrete's resilience under thermal stress. Limited studies have explored the combined effects of metakaolin and crumb rubber on the mechanical and thermal properties of fire-damaged concrete bricks. This study aims to investigate the impact of incorporating these materials into concrete bricks on their fire resistance properties. Metakaolin is incorporated at a constant rate of 10%, while crumb rubber is varied at 5%, 10%, and 15% by weight in brick mix design. The thermal behaviour and structural integrity of the modified bricks mix design when subjected to intense fire exposure for durations of 1 and 2 hours. Expected outcomes include demonstrable improvements in fire resistance, with the modified bricks showing superior performance in terms of lower heat transfer rates and enhanced structural integrity compared to conventional concrete bricks. The findings from this research are intended to contribute to the broader field of construction materials science by providing insights into the potential of metakaolin and crumb rubber as functional additives for developing more durable and fire-resistant concrete formulations.