Silica Fumes For Concrete: Advantages of Using & Its Properties

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When the talk is about silica fumes, then the most important thing that one must know what concrete additives are. Concrete additives are the materials added during the foundation of a giant construction. These additives help to increase the strength of the foundation and makes it durable. It helps to withstand the pressure exerted by the huge buildings.

The metals of silicon or the alloys containing silicon are heated in huge furnaces run by electricity. They produce fumes known as silica fumes or micro-silica. There are several additives available nowadays. The best of all is the silica fumes for concrete. This additive is not naturally formed. These particles are spherical in shape. It measures about 150 Nanometers in diameter. It consists of non-crystalline silicon dioxide.

Advantages of silica fumes for concrete

• It adds durability to the concrete.
• The possible chances of bleeding and segregation are reduced.
• If it is added to fresh concrete it increases the cohesiveness.
• The effectiveness of the finishing increases because of reduced bleeding.
• The properties of both fresh and hard forms of silica rise when the silica fumes are added to the concrete mixture.

The properties of silica fumes

The silica fumes are also rich in some defined properties. These properties are as follows –

a. The fresh silica fumes for concrete and its properties:

• The silica fumes can turn sticky if it is used too much. This will decrease the ability of the concrete to work.
• The silica fumes do not cause any difficulty if it is used 15 percent more in the cement mixture. This will not cause any difficulty in working.
• It requires more quantity of water because of the larger surface area when compared to normal concrete.

b. The properties of hardened silica fumes used along with concrete:

• There has been a remarkable rise in the compressive strength when the silica fumes are used along with concrete.

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  The durability factors

The silica fumes for concrete form a protective layer against the attack of sulfate. This is done by:

• The conversion of mono-sulphoaluminate into ettringite is checked. This is done by the consumption of chloride hydroxides during the period of pozzolanic action.
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• It restricts the sulfate ions from entering by decreasing the permeability of the concrete mixture.

The individual particles of silica fumes are tiny or very small in nature. Because of its tiny nature, it is fine as well. This fine texture helps it to acquire a large surface area. It is mainly a reactive pozzolan and is added at the root of a construction. It helps to increase the strength of the concrete. This makes it a pocket-friendly product. It is so strong that it can withstand the pressure induced by a skyscraper.

The silica fumes are mainly available in two distinct forms – wet or dry. The fumes are added to concrete in any of its forms. It is the job of some experienced people to take the decision on whether to add the fumes to the concrete.