Enhancing Concrete Properties Using Silica Fume:Optimized Mix Design

In the current work concrete mixes containing(7.0-33.11)weight%silica fume as fractional substitution of cement with water/cement ratio(0.42-0.48)were formulated conferring to an implemented two factorial central composite design.The samples were water cured for 7,28,56,and 90 days.The samples were tested for compressive strength and density.The experimental results approved that compressive strength and density increase with age and with rising silica fume content up to 11.9 wt.%.Response surface analysis results for samples cured for 28 days confirmed that silica fume concrete with developed compressive strength(53.42 MPa)could be prepared by incorporation of 11.9 wt.%silica fume as a substituent for cement using a 0.42 water/cement ratio.An intensification in compressive strength and density(up to 39.3%and 2.6%)respectively was recorded for silica fume concrete mixes in contrast to Portland cement concrete.Overall,the research findings revealed that silica fume concretes prepared with appropriate silica fume content and water/cement ratio exhibited superior strength and density features candidate them to be used effectively in civil engineering structural applications.

Effect of silica fume on the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete

The effect of silica fume on the fresh and hardened properties of fly ash-based self-compacting geopolymer concrete （SCGC） was investigated in this paper. The work focused on the concrete mixes with a fixed water-to-geopolymer solid （W/Gs） ratio of 0.33 by mass and a constant total binder content of 400 kg/m3. The mass fractions of silica fume that replaced fly ash in this research were 0wt%, 5wt%, 10wt%, and 15wt%. The workability-related fresh properties of SCGC were assessed through slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box test methods. Hardened concrete tests were limited to compressive, splitting tensile and flexural strengths, all of which were measured at the age of 1, 7, and 28 d after 48-h oven curing. The results indicate that the addition of silica fume as a partial replacement of fly ash results in the loss of workability; nevertheless, the mechanical properties of hardened SCGC are significantly improved by incorporating silica fume, especially up to 10wt%. Applying this percentage of silica fume results in 4.3% reduction in the slump flow; however, it increases the compressive strength by 6.9%, tensile strength by 12.8% and flexural strength by 11.5%.

Effect of Silica Fume on Compressive Strength of Oil-Polluted Concrete in Different Marine Environments

In the present research, effect of silica fume as an additive and oil polluted sands as aggregates on compressive strength of concrete were investigated experimentally. The amount ofoil in the designed mixtures was assumed to be constant and equal to 2% of the sand weight. Silica fume accounting for 10%, 15% and 20% of the weight is added to the designed mixture. After preparation and curing, concrete specimens were placed into the three different conditions： fresh, brackish and saltwater environments （submerged in fresh water, alternation of exposed in air ＆ submerged in sea water and submerged in sea water）. The result of compressive strength tests shows that the compressive strength of the specimens consisting of silica fume increases significantly in comparison with the control specimens in all three environments. The compressive strength of the concrete with 15% silica fume content was about 30% to 50% higher than that of control specimens in all tested environments under the condition of using polluted aggregates in the designed mixture.

Comparison of High Performance Fly Ash Concrete Using Nano Silica Fume on Different Mixes

This paper investigates the experimental results on the effect of nano silica fume on compressive strength development of concretes containing high volume fly ash (HVFA). The effect of various silica fumes contents such as 1%, 2% & 3% (wt. %) as partial replacement of cement on the compressive strength of cements is evaluated in the first part. The nano silica fume content which exhibits the highest compressive strength above is used in high volume fly ash concretes containing 30% and 50% class F fly ash. The results show that among three different silica fumes contents, the addition of 1% increases the compressive strength of concretes. The addition of 1% silica fume also increases the early age and 28 days compressive strengths of HVFA concretes.

Utilization of Cement Kiln Dust (CKD) with Silica Fume (SF) as a Partial Replacement of Cement in Concrete Production

This research aimed to clarify the role of by-product materials, such as CKD with SF as partial replacement by weight of cement in concrete manufacturing and inclusion on different characteristics of concrete. Concrete test specimens were mixed with 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20% and 25% (CKD) with 15% (SF) as partial replacement by weight of Cement (CEM I-52.5N). Fresh concrete properties have been evaluated by workability measurement slump test. While hardened concrete properties have been evaluated by compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths tests at ages 7, 28 and 56 days, but evaluated for bond strength, modulus of elasticity and chemical composition measurement with X-Ray Fluorescence at age of 28 days. The test results have revealed that the increase of CKD amount with fixed amount of SF in concrete mixtures as partial replacement by weight of cement leads to gradual decrease of fresh concrete workability. In concrete mixtures, 20% CKD in the presence of 15% SF as partial replacement by the weight of cement are the optimum ratios which can be used without any negative effect on mechanical properties compressive, indirect tensile, flexural and bond strength at all the ages of concrete. Also modulus of elasticity and bond strength increased by 8.81% and 0.69% respectively at the age 28 days compared with control mixture.

Recent research in mechanical properties of geopolymer-based ultrahigh-performance concrete:A review

Due to the growing need for sustainable and ultra-high-strength construction materials,scientists have created an innovative ultra-high-performance concrete called Geopolymer based ultra-highperformance concrete(GUHPC).Besides,in the last few decades,there have been a lot of explosions and ballistic attacks around the world,which have killed many civilians and fighters in border areas.In this context,this article reviews the fresh state and mechanical properties of GUHPC.Firstly,the ingredients of GUHPC and fresh properties such as setting time and flowability are briefly covered.Secondly,the review of compressive strength,flexure strength,tensile strength and modulus of elasticity of fibrous GUHPC.Thirdly,the blast and projectile impact resistance performance was reviewed.Finally,the microstructural characteristics were reviewed using the scanning electron microscope and X-ray Powder Diffraction.The review outcome reveals that the mechanical properties were increased when 30%silica fume was added to a higher dose of steel fibre to improve the microstructure of GUHPC.It is hypothesized that the brittleness of GUHPC was mitigated by adding 1.5%steel fibre reinforcement,which played a role in the decrease of contact explosion cratering and spalling.Removing the need for cement in GUHPC was a key factor in the review,indicating a promising potential for lowering carbon emissions.However,GUHPC research is still in its early stages,so more study is required before its full potential can be utilized.

Properties of High Volume Fly Ash Concrete Compensated by Metakaolin or Silica Fume

The compressive strength and dynamic modulus of high volume fly ash concrete with incorporation of either metakaolin or silica fume were investigated. The water to cementitious materials ratio was kept at 0.4 for all mixtures. The use of high volume fly ash in concrete greatly reduces the strength and dynamic modulus during the first 28 days. The decreased properties during the short term of high volume fly ash concrete is effectively compensated by the incorporation of metakaolin or silica fume. The DTA results confirmed that metakaolin or silica fume increase the amount of the hydration products. An empirical relationship between dynamic modulus and compressive strength of concrete has been obtained. This relation provides a nondestructive evaluation for estimating the strength of concrete by use of the dynamic modulus.

Modeling Tensile Strength of Concrete on Partial Replacement of Ce­ment and Sand with Quarry Dust Ground Granulated Blast Furnace and Slag Silica Fumes

Tensile strength of concrete were examined on its partial replacement of cement and sand using ground granulated blast furnace and quarry dust.The study examines its behaviour at different dimensions.This is to monitor the variation effect of these parameters on the growth rates of tensile to the optimum curing age.These include non linear conditions of tensile state,non-elastic and its brittle behaviour at all times as it express zero conditions in tension.This means that it has the ability to with stand pull force.It also reflects its weak ability to handle shear stress thus tends to cause deformation in material as it has poor elasticity.The reflection of its brittle influence the rate of tensile behaviour from concrete ductility.These are known to be a material on modern mechanics of concrete.These are also considered as quasi brittle material.This behaviour was reflected as the system considered evaluating the growth rate of tensile strength that replaced cement and sand with these locally sourced addictives.The developed model monitor other reflected influential parameters such as variation of concrete porosity due it compaction in placements,tensile behaviour reflects these effect that subject it to mechanical properties of concrete.The study expressed the reaction of these parameters in the simulation,the evaluation of these affected the details variation of tensile growth rate at different water cement ratios and curing age.The tensile behaviour that was monitored are based on these factors in the study.The derived model were validated with the a researcher results[24],and both parameters developed best fits correlation.The study is imperative because the system expressed the behaviour of tensile strength from concrete at different dimensions.Experts can applied these concept to monitor tensile behaviour considering these parameters in its growth rates.

Effect of silica forms in rice husk ash on the properties of concrete

The strength and durability properties of concrete with or without three types of rice husk ash （RHA）, namely, amorphous, partial crystalline, and crystalline RHA, were investigates. The three types of RHA were added into concrete at a 20% replacement level. Consequently, the pozzolanic reactivity of amorphous RHA was higher than that of partial crystalline and crystalline RHA. Concrete added with amorphous RHA showed excellent characteristics in its mechanical and durability properties. The results showed that the higher the amount of crystalline silica in RHA, the lower the concrete resistivity value became. When compared with each other, concretes with 20% of the ce- ment replaced with these types of RHA achieved similar ultrasonic pulse velocity values, but all were lower than that of the control concrete. The incorporation of these kinds of RHA significantly reduced chloride penetration. The results not only encourage the use of amorphous materials, they also support the application of crystalline or partial crystalline RHA as mineral and pozzolanic admixtures for cement.

Synthesis of a Green Nano-Silica Material Using Beneficiated Waste Dunites and Its Application in Concrete

Nano-silica, one of the substances boosting the field of nanomaterials, can be produced by dissolving olivine in acid. The dissolution of olivine is a convenient alternative route to the existing methods of nano-silica production (neutralization of sodium silicate and flame hydrolysis) because the olivine dissolution is a low temperature process making this method cheaper and greener. Furthermore, this process can use waste olivine materials for the production of nano-silica. The produced nano-silica has a specific surface area between 100 and 400 m2/g;a primary particle size between 10 and 25 nm, which is agglomerated in clusters;and an impurity content below 5 wt.%. In addition, olivine nano-silica can be classified as a pozzolanic material with an activity index of 101%. The optimum replacement level of olivine nano-silica in conventional vibrated concrete is around 5% by volume resulting in: 1) a compressive strength increase of 20%;2) a CO2 emission reduction of 3%. Therefore, the use of the olivine nano-silica in CVC does not only improve the compressive strength but also reduce the CO2 emissions.

Effective Contribution of Brazilian Rice Husk Silica(RHS)as Eco-Friendly Silica in Concrete Plants

Due to growing consumption of Portland cement and high levels of CO_(2) emissions in its production process,this study examined the use of Brazilian RHS(rice husk silica)obtained by FBC(fluidized bed combustion)as an alternative material in concrete production;the principal cause is the inappropriate disposal of carbonized or in natura rice husk in southern Brazil.To analyze its feasibility,concretes made with several types of cements were examined combined with RHS,and also concretes with different strength classes employing a slag-based binder featuring a smaller amount of clinker in its composition.Mechanical and scanning electron microscopy assays were carried out to verify formation of C-S-H and calcium hydroxide in the cement pastes.This study concludes that replacing 10%of Portland cement(CEMIII/A)by 3%of RHS can result in a cost reduction of around 5%and allows a reduction of 4%in CO_(2)eq levels.In this way,RHS from renewable sources can be a highly impactful sustainable alternative in civil engineering work,allowing the concrete industry to produce environmentally-sound concrete mixtures with lower CO_(2) emissions.

The Abrasion-resistance Investigation of Rubberized Concrete

The abrasion resistance properties of rubberized concrete were comparatively studied by taking silica fume and crumb tire rubber as the additives. The abrasion tests were conducted in accordance with the Chinese standard test method DL/T 5150 - 2001, two recommended test methods： under water method and ring method, were used. The crumb tire rubbers with the sieve size of 8-mesh and 16-mesh were incorporated into the concrete by replacing same volume of sand and as an additive. The abrasion resistance of concrete was evaluated according to the abrasion resistance strength and the mass loss. Test results show that the addition of silica fume enhanced both compressive strength and abrasion resistance of concrete, and the addition of crumb rubber reduced the compressive strength but increased notably the abrasion resistance of the concrete. Silica fume concrete performed a better abrasion resistance than control concrete, and the rubberized concrete performed a much better abrasion resistance than silica fume concrete. The abrasion resistance of rubberized concrete increased with the increase of rubber content.

The Accelerated Test of Chloride Permeability of Concrete

The availability of accelerated chloride permeability test and the effect of w/c ratio, incorporation of silica fume, maximum aggregate size and aggregate type on the chloride permeability were studied. The mathematic analysis certifies that there is a linear relationship between accelerated test and natural diffusion. Test results show that the chloride permeability of concrete increases as w/c ratio increases whilst a limited amount of replacement of cement with silica fume, the chloride permeability decreases dramatically. The maximum aggregate size in the range of 8 to 25 mm seems also affect chloride permeability but with a much less significant level. The chloride permeability of silica fume lightweight aggregate concrete is very low, especially the concrete made with dry lightweight concrete. The chloride permeability can be evaluated by this accelerated test method.

High Performance Concrete and Its Typical Mixes

With the modern development of chemical and mineral admixtures, it is now possible to produce much higher performance concrete than before. Higher performance does not only mean higher strength, but also better durability, lower risk of thermal cracking and higher dimensional stability etc. The three most effective admixtures for producing high performance concrete are superplastieizer, pulverized fuel ash and condensed silica fume. This paper outlines the properties of these materials and presents some practical guidelines for their usage.

Green synthesis of ZSM-5 using silica fume and catalytic co-cracking of lignin and plastics for production of monocyclic aromatics

ZSM-5 with hierarchical pore structure was synthesized by a simple two-step hydrothermal crystallization from silica fume without using any organic ammonium templates.The synthesized ZSM-5 were oval shaped particles with a particle size about 2.0 μm and weak acid-dominated with proper Brønsted(B)and Lewis(L)acid sites.The ZSM-5 was used for catalytic co-cracking of n-octane and guaiacol,lowdensity polyethylene(LDPE)and alkali lignin(AL)to enhance the production of benzene,toluene,ethylbenzene and xylene(BTEX).The most significant synergistic effect occurred at n-octane/guaiacol at 1:1 and LDPE/AL at 1:3,under the condition,the achieved BTEX selectivity were 24%and 33%(mass)higher than the calculated values(weighted average).The highest BTEX selectivity reached 88.5%,which was 3.7%and 54.2%higher than those from individual cracking LDPE and AL.The synthesized ZSM-5 exhibited superior catalytic performance compared to the commercial ZSM-5,indicating potential application prospect.

Flexural Fatigue Behavior of Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Segment Concrete

The influence of polypropylene fiber on the flexural fatigue performance of high-strength concrete (HSC), which could be used as cover of reinforcement of segment, was investigate by three-point load bending tests. Also, the flexural fatigue equations of high-strength concrete with and without polypropylene fiber were established through test analysis. The experimental results indicate that the addition of polypropylene fiber can improve the static bending strength of segment concrete, and the important is that it can markedly increase the flexural fatigue performance of the HSC subjected to cyclic bending load. Especially when with 1.37 kg/m3 addition of the fiber was corporate with silica fume and slag powder, the fatigue life of the HSC can be increased by 43.4% compared to that of the segment concrete without fiber, silica fume and slag.

MODIFICATION THE CEMENTIOUS MATERIAL OF ULTRA-HIGH-STRENGTH SLEEPER CONCRETE

This paper presents investigation results on the natural ultra-fine mineral flour of crystalline silica fume (CSF) and porous quartz sand stone (PQSS) which can modify cement mortar strength under hydrothermal synthesis reaction (HSR) in the autoclave-cured condition. The replacement of cement by CSF and PQSS can signifi cantly increase the Jflerural and compressive strength which reach 22MPa and 150MPa respectively and de-crease the porosity oj the cement mortar. The ratio oj fine aggregation, standard sand to cementions material has sig nificant influence on the mortar strength. The mechanisms involved in cement and natural mineral flour and the HSR are presented. CaO/SiO2 ratio ranges from 3. 20 to 1. 11. the main hydrate phase is C2SH and there is not Tober-morite through X-Ray diffraction qualitative analysis. The new and ultra-high strength cementious material as basic material of sleeper concrete can he used in prestressed reinforcement sleeper concrete.

Properties of Chemically Synthesized Nano-geopolymer Cement based Self-Compacting Geopolymer Concrete(SCGC)

The physical and mechanical properties of self-compacting geopolymer concrete(SCGC) using chemically synthesized nano-geopolymer cement was investigated. Nano-geopolymer cement was synthesized using nano-silica, alkali activator, and sodium aluminate in the laboratory. Subsequently, nine nanogeopolymer cement sbased SCGC mixes with varying nano-geopolymer cement content, alkali activator content, coarse aggregate(CA) content, and curing temperature were produced. The workability-related fresh properties were assessed through slump flow diameter and slump flow rate measurements. Mechanical performances were evaluated through compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity measurements. In addition, rapid chloride penetration test, water absorption, and porosity tests were also performed. It was assessed that all mix design parameters influenced the fresh and hardened properties of SCGC mixes. Based on test results, it was deduced that nano-geopolymer cement SCGC performed fairly well. All the SCGC mixes achieved the 28-day compressive strength in the range of 60-80 MPa. Additionally, all mixes attained 60% of their 28-day strength during the first three days of elevated temperature curing. FTIR and SEM analyses were performed to evaluate the degree of polymerization and the microstructure respectively for SCGC mixes.