How Silica Based Concrete Additives Impacts Its Properties?
Silica fumes are highly reactive pozzolan which are mainly used where high strength and durable concrete materials are required. These are the type of concrete additives which are added in small quantities. As catalysts are used to speed up the chemical reactions, similarly admixtures are used to enhance the quality of the concrete materials and making it suitable to use.
Few ways silica based concrete additives affects the concrete mixture
We pretty know that silica based concrete additives are used to enhance the concrete mixture. But what are the core features that are impacted by its use. Take a look at it.
Reduces the permeability of the concrete: in order to make concrete resistant to the most aggressive environment, permeability factor is the most important one. When the ingress of movement of water and chemical are low, the chances of certain reactions are low. Hence, adding silicon concrete additives reduces the permeability of the mixture.
Improved mechanical performance: the silica fumes react with the cement particles forming strong and tough calcium silicate hydrate which provides strength to the structure. As it reduces bleeding, it enhances the bond of the cement paste thereby allowing easy aggregation.
Corrosion protection: most of the parts of the building remain exposed to the open air and moisture. The silica fumes when added to such materials resist it from being corroded. In the marine structure, performance of the concrete in terms of sulphate resistance is highly considered.
Silicon concrete additives- Enhance the durability of the building
Primarily, silica fumes are in amorphous or crystalline form and its smallest particles is about the size of 1/100th size of cement particles. The silica fumes are the fine particles with large surface area and high silicon dioxide content. Before few years ago, the normal size of the additives was about 6000 psi. However, with the introduction of silica fumes and its use in the concrete material, its overall strength has increased which is about 15000 psi.
The result of the silica fumes can only be obtained when conscious decision is taken with respect to its quantity and type. It is used both in wet and dry forms as per the prerequisites of the construction unit. Along with the fumes, certain other materials are also added just for certain purposes. It entirely depends upon the location and climate where the construction would commence. Make sure it accelerates the functioning rather deteriorating it.