EFFECT OF SILICA FUME ON PROPERTIES OF CONCRETE

Preeti P Patel
Student ME Structure ISTAR, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India..

& Elizabeth George and Deepa A Sinha

Sr. Lecturers, Structural Engineering Department, BVM Engineering College, Vallabh Vidyanagar, Anand, Gujarat, India. Both are life members of ISTE

Abstract:The strength of concrete at early ages is a considerable significance in recent years due to several specific requirements of the modern construction techniques. However, silica fume concrete are known to have early age strength and there have been many efforts to predict to improve this in recent years. To study effect of Silica fume on strength and durability is the main goal of this research. The work was carried out for two grades ie M20 and M30 of concrete. For the grades of concrete the cement content, sand, grit, coarse aggregate and w/c ratio is kept constant. Only the percentage of silica fume has been changed ie 0%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5%. The results have shown the considerable improvement in compressive strength, modulus of elasticity and durability with respect to sulfate. Split tensile strength is observed to be nearly same with or without the use of silica fume for both the grades.
Keywords : Workability, Compaction factor, Compressive strength, Modulus of elasticity, Durability, Sulfate content.

Introduction
In both developed and developing countries recent researchers aimed at the energy conservation in the cement and the concrete industry focused on the use of materials such as fly ash. slag and natural pozzolanas. Later attention has been given to the use of pozzolanas. Silica fume is a possible partial replacement of Portland cement. However the world wide investigation and practical use of silica fume was not started until the early 1970's when nearly all silica fume was released into the atmosphere and countries began enforcing strict environmental legislation. When silica fume was first introduced into the concrete industry it was merely used as a cheaper alternative to cement. But as research capabilities advanced and more information was being discovered about silica fume, then did researcher begin to realize its structural potential. It was then confirmed that silica fume could improve the properties of concrete. Studies have confirmed that silica fume improves compressive strength, bond strength and abrasion resistance, reduces permeability and therefore helps in protecting reinforced steel from corrosion. Generally silica fume is used for high strength concrete. After the severe earthquake in Gujarat, India which had taken place on 26-1-2001, governments have Recommended [9] M 20 grade as minimum grade concrete and no construction should be constructed below this grade. Even in heavy structures like earth retaining walls, R.C.C. gutters of steel truss, slabs, raft foundation; M 20 grade concrete has been used. As M 20grade is used for such an important structures, one should take care of its strength and durability. Hence for this project work M 20 grade concrete has been chosen, using different percentage of silica fume i.e. 0 %, 7.5 %, 10 % and 12.5 %. For comparison ofM20 grade with higher grade concrete, M 30 has been designed and used for different tests. [1] Micro Silica is produced during the high temperature reduction of quartz, silicon or ferrosilicon metal. As the quartz is heated to 2000C, an electric arc is fired. Through the furnace, releases silicon monoxide gas besides forming the metal. The gas rises and reacts with oxygen in the upper parts of the furnace and condenses as it cools, into the pure spherical particles of micro silica. The material is drawn through a set of cooling pipes, through a pre-collector and cyclone and then it is blown into the filter unit. It holds hundreds of filter bags that collect the particles and let hot air pass through. The micro silica is then emptied from the filter bags into a holding silo.

(4) Durability test: Experimental work

The experimental program involved casting and testing cubes (15cm x 15cm x\ 15cm) and cylinders (15 cm diameter x 30 cm height). The different tests performed were:(1) Compressive strength for 7, 28 and 56 days (2) Split tensile strength for 28 days (3) M.O.E. i.e. initial and secant for 28 days (4) Durability test (a) cubes immersed in sulfate solution for 56 days. Two grades of concrete i.e. M 20 & M 30 grade with four different dosages of silica fume as an admixture to cement by 0%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% was used. Water/cement ratio, cement content, sand, fine aggregate and coarse aggregate were kept constant. (1) Compressive strength: - The cubes cured for 7, 28 and 56 days are used to know the compressive strength. The specimens were tested under compression testing machine of capacity 200 t for destructive test. (2) Split tensile strength: - The cylinders cured for 28 days are used to test the split tensile strength. The specimens were tested under compression testing machine. (3) Modulus of elasticity: - As M.O.E. is an important parameter for any structure to be designed, this test is been performed. The initial tangent modulus and secant modulus has been found out. The cylinders cured for 28 days are used to test the M.O.E. The specimens were tested under compression testing machine. (A) Sulfate content: - The cubes are first cured for 7 days in potable water. After this period[03], the specimens are kept in magnesium solution for 56 days to check the loss in weight, loss in strength and penetration of Sulfate content at the depth of 25 mm and 75 mm[05] The pH was maintained constant between the range of 5.7 to 6.7. To maintain the pH, 0.1 N strength H2SO4 is added. PH measuring strips were used to measure pH. Alternate wetting and drying of the specimen were carried out. After 56 days all the specimens were kept open for saturated surface dry condition and final weight of the specimen was recorded and then tested for compressive strength. Procedure to find the sulfate content in the concrete. (A) Preparation of the supernatant solution: Take concrete powder at the depth of 25 mm and 75 mm and sieve with IS 1.18mm sieve[04]. Take 25 gms of powder. Make a dilute mix of 1:1 Nitric acid and powder. Stir well. Add 250ml of potable water, boil the mix well. Weigh again the mix. The loss in weight is adjusted by adding potable water. Keep the mix for 24 hours. (B) Method to find the sulfate content: Take 50ml of supernatant sample in 250 ml beaker. Add 4 drops of 50% HCl and 0.2 gms of BaCl2 . We will get white precipitates of Ba SO4. Put on the hot plate just to boil. Filter it through preweight Watmann 40 filter paper. Complete filteration and

wash the residue by distilled water 3 to 4 times. Put filter paper open for 24 hours. After 24 hours weigh the filter paper again. The sulfate content can be found out from the SO4, gm / l = (Final weight Initial weight) Note: - The entire tests mentioned above, were tested for 0%, 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% of silica fume.

Materials used:Cement: - 53 grade ordinary Portland cement was used. Aggregate: - Aggregate used are sand, grit and coarse aggregate. The combined grading is adopted with a maximum size of 20 mm specified by I.S. 383. Water: - Potable water is used for mixing and curing purpose. Silica fume: - Silica fume was obtained form "Krishna Conchem Pvt Ltd" situated at Baroda, Gujarat, India. Properties of Silica fume [07] Appearance = snow white free flowing powder Particle size = less than 5 microns Ph in 5% aqueous suspension) = 7.2 Composition = silicon dioxide (88%)

Chlorides and sulfates = nil Bulk density = 0.1 to 0.12 gms / c.c. The mix proportion for M20 Concrete and the mix proportion of M30 concrete is given below. The first phase of experimental work is mixing the concrete to determine the workability. The second phase of experimental work is to cast and test the cubes for 7, 28 and 56 days and cylinders for 28 days.

Results
The results obtained from the experimental investigation were tabulated below. From the results obtained the effect of silica fume on workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of elasticity and durability can be known..

Mix Proportions for M 20 concrete: - [10][6] Water W: C: SF: AGG Cement % Kg/m3 Kg/m3 admixture of silica fume 0% 0.51 :1 :0:5.44 183.6 360 7.5 % 0.5 :1 :0.075 :5.44 183.6 360 10% 0.51 :1 :0.1 :5.44 183.6 360 0.51 :1 :0.125:5.44 183.6 12.5% 360 Mix Proportions for M 30 concrete: -[10][6] % admixture of silica fume 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5 % W: C: SF: AGG Water Kg/m3 Cement Kg/m3

Silica fume Kg/m3 27 36 45

Sand Kg/ m3

Grit Coarse Kg/ m3 aggregate Kg/m3 450.55 450.55 450.55 450.55 998.26 998.26 998.26 998.26

508.85 508.85 508.85 5O8.85

Silica fume Kg/m3 0 33.45 44.6 55.75

Sand Kg/ m3

Grit Coarse Kg/ m3 aggregate Kg/m3 397.44 397.44 397.44 397.44 844.56 844.56 844.56 844.56

0.43 : 1 : 0 : 4 0.43 : 1 : 0.075 : 4 0.43:1 :0.1 :4 0.43 : 1 : 0.125 : 4

191.78 191.78 191.78 191.78

446 446 446 446

544 544 544 544

Conclusions and Discussions:

It is observed that when silica fume is added in the concrete as an admixture, it is modifying most of all the properties of concrete such as workability, compressive strength, split tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, durability with respect to sulfate solution. The increase in strength of concrete may be attributed to the fact that when silica fume is mixed with cement, micro silica reacts with Ca(OH)2 liberated by the hydrating Portland cement. When properly dispersed, thousands of reactive micro spheres surround each cement grain, densifying the matrix, filling the voids with strong hydration products, improving the bond with the aggregates

CONCLUSIONS: - (for M 20 mix)

1. WORKABILITY:It is found from the tables as given below that workability varies with the % of silica. As the % of silica fume increases workability decreases.

WORKABILITY OF SILICA FUME CONCRETE BY DIFFERENT METHODS: (A) COMPACTION FACTOR: M20 concrete mix % of SF 0% 7.5% Partially Fully compacted compacted 25 25 26.6 27 26.5 26.5 Compaction factor % of SF 0 7.5 ]() 12.5 M30 concrete mix Partially compacted 25 24 23.5 26 Fully compacted 26.5 26 26 26 Compaction factor 0.88 0.84 0.80 0.76

0.88 0.85 0.846 0.808

10%% 24.5 %%%% 24 12.5%

(B) FLOW TABLE VALUE: M20 concrete mix % OF SF Spread in different 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5 % directions 41,43,45,45,44,43 43,38,38,33,32,39 39,32,32,31,28,29 34,37,37,34,30,31

M30 concrete mix Flow % 48 48.66 27.3 35.33 % OF SF 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5% Spread in different directions 34,45,43,39,41,40 45,43,45,33,44,32 36,38,38,32,35,37 47,43,32,30,36,34 Flow % 62 63.3 44 48

(C) SLUMP VALUE: M20 concrete mix % of SF 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5% Initial value Final value 31 31 31 31 30.5 30.5 30.8 30.6 Slump in mm 0.5 0.2 0.4

M30 concrete mix %SF 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5% Initial value Final value 31 31 31 31 30.5 30.6 30.7 Slump in mm 0.5 0.4 0.3

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH:It is seen from the table that there is a steady improvement in compressive strength for all the % of silica fume i.e. from 7.5% to 12.5% of silica fume by the wt. of cement. The maximum strength obtained is for 2.

12.5% of silica fume. The % increase in strength for 28 days curing of 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% with respect to 0 % of silica fume is 5%, 21.5% and 28.2%

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULTS FOR M 20 CONCRETE MIX: (1) FOR DESTRUCTIVE TEST: (Average have been calculated after discarding the values with 15 % of variation)

Sr No

%of SF as an admix ture 7 days curing SI S2 22.5 30.4 31.3 45.33 S3 24.26 24.44 22.22 43.55

M 20 grade Compressive strength in N / mm2 28 days curing average 23.14 26.43 26.43 42.41 SI 35.55 39.78 51.11 48.88 S2 40 39.33 46 55.11 S3 42 43.78 45.78 46.67 Average 39.18 40.96 47.63 50.22 SI 42.22 47.33 53.33 58.22 56 days curing S2 53.33 52.44 65.33 66.67 S3 43.5 46.22 60 72.67 Aver age 46.3 48.6 59.5 65.8

1 2 3 4

0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5%

22.67 24.44 29.51 38.35

Target strength at 7 days = 16.8 N / mm2 28 days = 28 N / mm2 3. SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH:It is observed from table, it is seen that the maximum split tensile strength achieved is for 12.5 % silica fume by weight of cement. It is observed that as the percentage of silica fume increases the tensile value also increases. The % increase in strength for 28 days curing of 7.5%, 10% and 12.5% with respect to 0 % of silica fume is 7%, 18.12% and 28.4%

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH RESUTS FOR M 20 CONCRETE MIX: (SI, S2 and S3 are the specimen name) Sr. no. 1 2 3 4
2 % of SF as an admixture Tensile strength for M 20 grade concrete in N / mm SI S2 S3 Average 0% 2.97 3.4 3.56 3.31 7.5 % 3.25 3.54 3.82 3.54 10% 3.96 3.54 4.24 3.91 12.5% 3.93 4.41 4.41 4.25

4. MODULUS OF ELASTICITY:From table, it is seen that both the initial tangent modulus and secant modulus is maximum for 7.5% of silica fume for M 20 mix, and for 10 % and 12.5 %, both the M.O.E. decreases. But the value is more compared to 0% of silica

fume. It means that though the addition of silica fume to the concrete would increase the modulus of Elasticity it is optimum at lower % of silica.

MODULUS OF ELASTICITY FOR M 20 CONCRETE MIX: Initial and secant modulus shown below is the average of all the 3 specimens. Average of all the 3 specimen Sr. no. 1 2 3 4 % of SF as an admixture 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5% Initial tangent modulus in N/mm2 17933.34 29700 24050 22600 Secant modulus in N/mm2 12920.7 22610.95 17525.45 15223.23

5. DURABILITY:(A) SULFATE TEST:In sulfate solution also minimum loss in weight and the maximum compressive strength is obtained for 7.5 % of silica fume for M 20 mix. The results are shown in tables below. From table the sulfate content is found minimum for 7.5 % of silica fume at both the depth i.e. 25mm and 75 mm depth of cube. It is found that the penetration of sulfate content from upper surface to inner surface is less even after immersing the cubes in sulfate solution for 56 days when silica fume is used in concrete mix. COMPARISON OF LOSS IN WEIGHT BEFORE AND AFTER IMMERSION IN SULFATE SOLUTION FOR M 20 CONCRETE MIX: Sr. % no. of SF Average loss in Wt of Wt of Wt of weight specimen specimen Wt of specimen Wt of of all the Before men specimen Wt of Loss before specimen 3 Immersion after after Loss specimen after immersion in before Loss in specimen in Immersion in immersion in immersion in weight Sulfate weight in % Sulfate immersion in sulfate sulfate weight in% solution for sulfate in % solution solution solution in % solution for 56 days in solution for 56 for 56 for for 56 days 56 days in kg kg. days in kg. Days in 56 in kg Kg. days 9.024 8.985 0.43 8.672 8.631 0.47 8.814 0.44 8.777 0.42 9.162 9.242 8.568 0.35 0.41 0.6 9.12 9.224 9.062 9.09 9.194 9.008 0.33 0.33 0.6 9.268 9.31 9.242 9.238 9.117 9.191 0.32 0.36 .0.55 0.33 0.36 0.58 S1 specimen S2 specimen S3 specimen

1 2 3 4

7.5. 9.194 10 9.28 12.5 8.62

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULTS FOR M 20 CONCRETE MIX, SPECIMEN IMMERSED IN SULFATE SOLUTION FOR 56 DAYS 2 Sr. % Of silica fume used as M 30 grade Compressive strength in N / mm No. an admixture SI S2 S3 Average 1 2 3 3 4 0% 7..5% 10% 12.5% 52.22 47.11 37.77 39.55 45.33 53.78 42.88 44 48.88 51.11 40.88 41.78 48.81 50.67 40.51 41.77

PENETRATION OF SULFATE WHEN THE CUBES ARE IMMERSED IN SULFATE SOLUTION FOR 56 DAYS FOR M 20 GRADE CONCRETE:M 20 Grade Sr. No. % OF SF as an admixture 0 7.5 10 12-5 Sulfate contenting gm/l 25 mm depth (o)75 mm depth 0.142 0.083 0.107 0.110 0.102 0.062 0.085 0.101

1 2 3 4

All the above observation confirms that optimum value of silica fume as far as durability is concerned is 7.5% of silica fume .

CONCLUSIONS: - (for M 30 mix) 1. COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH :It is seen from the table and that there is a steady improvement in compressive strength for all the % of silica fume i.e. from 7.5% to 12.5% of silica fume by the wt. of cement. The maximum strength obtained is for 12.5% of

silica fume. The % increase in strength for 28 days curing of 7.5%, 10% and 12. 5% with respect to 0 % of silica fume is 15%, 25-5% and 26.5%

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULTS FOR M 30 CONCRETE MIX: (1) FOR DESTRUCTIVE TEST: (Average have been calculated after discarding the values with 15 % of variation) Sr. No. %of SF as an admixture. 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5 % M 30 grade Compressive strength in N / mm2 7 days curing SI 28 35.2 36.97 47.55 S2 25.02 36 43.11 40.88 S3 29.95 42.22 37.33 38.57 average 27.65 37.81 39.18 42.33 SI 40.1 49.3 47.55 46.66 28 days curing S2 42.44 44.6 57.33 57.78 S3 43.11 50.3 52.66 54.22 average 41.83 48.1 52.51 52.88 SI 42 72.67 59.3 62.22 56 days curing S2 49.55 60.88 57.33 65.11 S3 50.4 55.11 60 58.22 average 47.32 58 58.9 61.85

1 2 3 4

Target strength at

7 days = 24 N / mm2

28 days =40N/ mm2

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH: It is observed from table, that the maximum split tensile strength achieved is for 12.5 % silica fume by weight of cement. It is observed that as the percentage of silica fume

Increases the tensile value also increases. But compared to compressive strength the increase in tensile value is in small.

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH RESULTS FOR M 30 CONCRETE MIX: (SI, S2 and S3 are the specimen name) Sr. no. 1 2 3 4 % of SF as an admixture Tensile strength for M 30 grade concrete in N / mm2 SI S2 S3 0% 3.25 3.28 2.93 7.5 % 3.51 3.31 3 10% 3.93 3.45 3.56 12.5% 3.96 3.88 3.54

Average 3.15 3.27 3.65 3.8

3. MODULUS OF ELASTICITY:From table, it is seen that both the initial tangent modulus is maximum for 12.5% of silica fume for M30 mix MODULUS OF ELASITICITY FOR M 30 CONCRETE MIX: Initial and secant modulus shown below is the average of all the 3 specimens shown in table. Sr. % of SF as Average of all the 3 specimen no. an admixture Initial tangent Secant modulus modulus in N/mm2 in N/mm2 1 2 3 4 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5% 16990 17933.33 19110.61 20433.33 13423.71 14328.41 15734.13 17532.16

4. DURABIL1TY:(A) SULFATE SOLUT1ON:In sulfate solution the maximum compressive strength and minimum loss in weight is obtained for 12.5 % of silica fume for M 30 mix. The results are shown in the tables. From table, the sulfate content is found minimum for 12.5 % of silica fume at both the depth i.e. 2.5mm and 75 mm depth

of cube. We can conclude that the penetration of sulfate content from upper surface to inner surface is less even after immersing the cubes in sulfate solution for 56 days when silica fume is used in concrete mix.

COMPARISON OF LOSSIN WEIGHT BEFORE AND AFTER IMMERSION IN SULFATE SOLUTION FOR M 30 CONCRETE MIX: Sr. No. % of SF SI specimen Wt of specimen Before Immersion In Sulfate solution for 56 Days in kg Wt of specimen after Immersion in sulfate solution for 56 days in kg Loss in weight in % S2 specimen Wt of specimen before immersion Sulfate solution for 56 days in kg Wt of specimen after Immersion in sulfate solution for 56 days in kg Loss in weight in % S3 specimen Wt of specimen before immersion in sulfate solution for 56 days in kg. Wt of specimen after immersion in sulfate solution for 56 days in kg Loss in weight in % Average loss in weight of all the 3 Specimen in %

1 2 3 4

9.392

9.34 9.198 9.38 9.072

0.55 0.52 0.47 O.37

9.186 9.032 9.226 8.86

9.137 8.987 9.182 8.823

0.53 0.50 0.48 0.42

9.266 9.072 9.156 8.992

9.214 9.023 9.116 8.954

0.56 0.54 0.44 0.42

0.55 0.52 0.46 0.4

7.5. 9.246 10 9.424 12.5 9.106

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH RESULTS FOR M 30 CONCRETE MIX, SPECIMEN IMMERSED IN SULFATE SOLUTION FOR 56 DAYS Sr. No. % Of silica fume used as an admixture 0% 7.5 % 10% 12.5% M 30 grade Compressive strength in N / mm2 SI 48 44.44 62.44 60.88 S2 51.33 51.33 57.11 63.55 S3 50 50.22 60 62.88 Average 49.77 48.66 59.85 62.43

1 2 2 3 3 4

PENETRATION OF SULFATE WHEN THE CUBES ARE IMMERSED IN SULFATE SOLUTION FOR 56 DAYS FOR M 30 GRADE CONCRETE :Sr. % of SF as an admixture M 30 grade no. Sulfate content in g/l 25 mm depth (o)75 mm depth 1 2 3 4 0 7.5 10 12-5 0.194 0.150 0.135 0.117 0.140 0.122 0.104 0.103

All the above observation confirms that optimum value of silica fume as far as durability for M 30 grade is concerned is 12.5% of silica fume.

Paper References.
[01] [02] [03] Peter Male Properties of micro silica concrete, Concrete International Sept. 1989. N.G. Joshi Bandra-Worli sea link : Evolution of HPC mixes containing silica fume, ICJ journal Oct-2001. A K Chakraborty I. Ray and B. Sengupta, 7th International canmet conference on fly ash, Silica Fume & blast furnace slag 2001. [05] [07] P K Mehta, Evaluation of Sulfate resisting cement by a new test methods, ACI Journal, Oct-1975. Gujarat Engineering Research Institute Vadodara [Report on Silica Fume]

Book References :

[04]

Book of American Public Health Association, American Water Work Association and Water Pollution Control Federation , Standard Method of Examination of water & waste water, 13th Edition, 1971, Pg. 96-97.

[06] [08]

Concrete Technology,Book by M L Gambhir Book of American Public Health Association, American Water Work Association and Water Pollution Control Federation , Standard Method of Examination of water & waste water, 13th Edition, 1971, Pg. 330-333

[09] [10] [11] [12]

I S 456: Bureau of Indian Standards IS 10262 1982 Bureau of Indian Standards IS 383-1970 specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural sources. Bureau of Indian Standards IS 516-1959 Method of test for strength of Concrete. Bureau of Indian Standards