Author(s)

J. Yajuun and J.H. Cahyadi

Abstract

Silica fume as a mineral admixture is being used increasingly in the world to produce high performance concrete (HPC). This admixture improves tie properties of concrete, which can be explained by understanding tie changes in the microstructure level. h this study, silica fume cement pastes of water/binder ratio w/b=0.4 were prepared by replacing ordinary Portland cement (OPC) with 5%, l0%, 15% and 20% condensed silica fume (CSF). The pore structures of silica fume cement pastes at curing ages 3, 7, 14, 28, 56 and 90 days were investigated by the mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP). The morphologies of hydration products were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The test results indicate that the hydration products of silica fume blended cement paste form a more homogeneous microstructure with less Ca(OH)2 crystals and fmer pore structure comparing with OPC paste

Keywords