ABSTRACT

There are a number of applications in which condensed silica fume can be incorporated to advantage in concrete. The experience gained in Quebec parallels that in Norway; given the economic haulage distance and the lack of other supplementary cementing materials, condensed silica fume can be used with advantage in a ready-mixed concrete operation. Smaller quantities of condensed silica fume have also been used in both fly ash and granulated blast furnace slag concrete mixes to increase the strength of concrete at early ages. Limited tests conducted in the US have shown that concrete incorporating condensed silica fume is considerably less permeable to chloride ion ingress. S. L. Marusin investigated the chloride ion penetration in conventional concrete and concrete containing condensed silica fume. Conventional semi-lightweight concrete has been used to advantage in high-rise construction, especially for the structural floor systems. Toughness index values twice that of ordinary fiber reinforced concrete have been reported for some fiber reinforced silica fume concrete.