Title:
Investigating the Suitability of Metakaolin in the Mitigation of Alkali-Silica Reactions in
Concrete: A Case Study of Uganda
Problem Statement:
As a result of rapid urbanization and industrial extractions, concrete has gained prominence in
Uganda for the infrastructural developments. However, construction of concrete structures
especially those of foundation has raised concern because of the alkali-silica reaction (ASR)
which results in cracking and poor handling of loads by the structure. Also, the climate of
Uganda with high humidity and seasonal rains worsens the situation of degradation from ASR in
concrete structures. While low-alkali cement, for instance, has proven effective in mitigating
ASR, it is costly and not always easy to find. The available clay deposits in Uganda can be used
to produce Metakaolin and it’s cheap and therefore can prove to be a better solution for ASR.
However, it does require extensive research to be conducted regarding its effectiveness within
the Ugandan environment..
Main Objective:
To evaluate the effectiveness of metakaolin in mitigating alkali-silica reactions (ASR) in
concrete foundations in Uganda, with a focus on enhancing the long-term durability of structures
in local environmental conditions.
Specific Objectives:
1. To study the chemical interactions between metakaolin, cement, and reactive silica in concrete
mixtures in the Ugandan context.
2. To evaluate the impact of different metakaolin content on the mechanical properties
(compressive strength, tensile strength, elasticity) of concrete exposed to Ugandan climatic
conditions.
3. To compare the effectiveness of metakaolin in mitigating ASR against other traditional
methods used in Uganda's construction industry.
Research Questions:
1. How does metakaolin interact chemically with cement and reactive silica in Ugandan
conditions to mitigate alkali-silica reactions?
2. What percentage of metakaolin provides the most effective ASR mitigation while maintaining
the structural strength of concrete in Uganda?
3. How does metakaolin’s performance compare to other ASR mitigation methods currently used
in Uganda, considering the local environmental and material availability factors?
Justification:
Uganda is currently undergoing significant infrastructure expansion and as such, the need to
design concrete structures with great attention to durability, is paramount for the economic and
social development of the country for generations to come. Uganda’s hot and humid weather
conditions will promote ASR which can contribute to the early aging of concrete floors
increasing the upkeep costs and reducing the overall service life of roadways, bridges and
buildings. Metakaolin, which has abundant raw materials arising from kaolin deposits within
Uganda, presents a viable option for curbing the degree of ASR. It is necessary to assess its
performance in the Ugandan environment first in order to come up with better, cheaper and
greener concretes. This study may also assist in promoting the local building materials use
instead of the imported ones available in the market.
Geographical Scope:
The present research will be concentrated on Uganda with the use of cases from major
infrastructure projects in areas which will likely suffer from ASR due to the presence of reactive
aggregates coupled with high moisture levels. The areas of focus include:
Kampala Metropolitan Area: Having most expensive construction and development projects in
the region, and with Kampala being the city center and enjoying several decades of capital city
status, it therefore carries with it all the elements that show how good this location is for the
study of ASR in concrete. There is also heavy rainfall and the region is humid. For example the
Nalubaale Power Plant that has been examined and failure in concrete due to the reaction
between the schistose aggregates that contain silica and the cement.(Alexander & Blight, 2017).
Eastern Uganda (Jinja and Mbale): These regions are largely characterized by heavy industries
and extensive infrastructure development. These regions contain reactive volcanic rocks and so
ASR in the concrete elements of buildings can be highly expected.
Western Uganda (Fort Portal): This area is characterized by existence of clay deposits, which can
be used to produce metakaolin, therefore providing a good chance of sourcing local materials for
the purpose of ASR control.
Methodology:
1. Literature Review:
- Examine the existing studies on alkali-silica reactions (ASR) in countries with tropical
climates such as Uganda and the use of metakaolin for alleviation of the effects of ASR.
- Examine the current practices on the management of ASR in the construction industry in
Uganda.
2. Material Sourcing and Testing:
- Identify sources of metakaolin from clay deposits available in Uganda especially in regions
such as Western Uganda.
- Produce mixes containing effective proportion of metakaolin fines (e.g. 5%, 10%, 15%, and
20%) with reactive aggregates common to Uganda.
3. Experimental Testing:
- Investigate ASR expansion on concrete prisms under controlled conditions representative of
Ugandan climate (humidity, temperature and water exposure).
- Perform analytical tests for compression, tension and bending of the samples in order to study
the effect of metakaolin on the morphology of the samples.
4. Field Studies:
- Carry out the study of ASR damage in bridges, highways, buildings and other concrete
structures located in Uganda, and include the case of metakaolin as a mitigation strategy among
others used successfully.
- Design and Conduct Performance monitoring in various Ugandan climatic zones for the
above structures and capture performance data.
5. Data Analysis:
- Examine the experimental and field data to establish the most ideal percentage of metakaolin
that will assist in ASR reduction under Ugandan conditions.
- Resource and cost analysis of the performance of metakaolin as an ASR mitigation agent
against other available ASR mitigation agents.
6. Recommendations:
- Recommend ways in which metakaolin can be utilized in the construction sector of Uganda to
manage ASR risk in a cost-effective and sustainable manner.
- Describe policy implications for localizing policies to the commune levels in order to
enhance their practical application in the areas.
References:
1. Mboya, D. O., & Gariy, Z. M. (2022). Durability of Concrete in Humid and Tropical Climates:
Challenges and Solutions. African Journal of Construction Engineering, 15(2), 120-130.
2. Okumu, R., & Kateregga, E. (2018). An Investigation into Alkali-Silica Reaction in Concrete
Foundations in Uganda. Makerere University Journal of Civil Engineering, 6(1), 45-60.
3. Chen, C., Scrivener, K., & Taylor, H. (2019). The Role of Pozzolanic Materials in Alkali-Silica
Reaction Mitigation: Global and Regional Case Studies. Journal of Cement and Concrete
Research, 120, 25-34.
4. Uganda Bureau of Standards (UBOS). (2020). Uganda’s Construction Material Market
Overview. UBOS Publications.
5. Mugagga, F., & Nabukeera, B. (2021). Utilization of Local Kaolin Deposits for Industrial
Applications in Uganda: Opportunities and Challenges. Journal of African Materials Science,
7(3), 55-67.
6. Alexander, M., & Blight, G. E. (2017). Southern and Central Africa. In I. Sims & A. Poole
(Eds.), Alkali-Aggregate Reaction in Concrete – A World Review (pp. 510–538). London
