The effect of silica fume and high-volume Class C fly ash on mechanical properties, chloride penetration and freeze-thaw resistance of self-compacting concrete

Abstract

In this study, cement has been replaced with a Class C fly ash (FA) in various proportions from 30% to 60%. Durability properties of various self-compacting concrete (SCC) mixtures such as, freezing and thawing, and chloride penetration resistance have been investigated besides mechanical properties within the scope of this study. Similar tests were carried out with the incorporation of 10% silica fume (SF) to the same mixtures. Test results indicate that SCC could be obtained with a high-volume FA. Ten percent SF additions to the system positively affected both the fresh and hardened properties of high-performance high-volume FA SCC. Although there is a little cement content, these mixtures have good mechanical properties, freeze-thaw and chloride penetration resistance. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.