Development of high performance concrete using silica fume at relatively high water-binder ratios

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of developing high performance concrete (HPC) using silica fume (SF) at relatively high water -binder ratios. For this purpose, water-binder ratios of 0.45 and 0.50 were considered. Test specimens were air and water cured and exposed to a mediu m temperature range of 20 degreesC to 50 degreesC. The compressive strength , modulus of elasticity and initial surface absorption (ISA) of hardened co ncrete were determined in the laboratory. Test results indicated that concr ete under water curing offers the best results. The highest level of compre ssive strength and modulus of elasticity and the lowest level of ISA were p roduced by SF concrete under water curing and at temperature of 35 degreesC . Data collected also revealed that, under controlled curing conditions, it is possible to produce HPC at relatively high water-binder ratios. (C) 200 0 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.