Permeation properties of concretes incorporating fly ash and silica fume

This paper conveys the effects of fly ash and silica fume incorporated in concrete at various replacement ratios on the durability properties of concretes. It is quite well known that concrete durability is as much important as strength and permeability is the key to durability. Permeability is closely associated with the voids system of concrete. Concrete, with less and disconnected voids, is assumed to be impermeable. The void system in concrete is straightly related to the mix proportions, placing, compaction, and curing procedures of concrete. Reinforced concrete structures, particularly those of subjected to water, are at the risk of various harmful agents such as chlorides and sulfate since the ingress of such agents through concrete becomes easy and accelerates as the permeability of concrete increases. Eventually, both strength and durability of concrete reduce as the time moves on, in turn; the service life of the concrete structures shortens. Mineral additives have been proven to be very effective in reducing permeability. The tests performed to accomplish the aim of the study are the rapid chloride permeability test, pressurized water depth test, capillarity test and compressive strength test. The results derived from these tests indicated that the durability properties of concretes incorporated fly ash and silica fume have improved substantially compared to that of without mineral additives regardless of the binder content used. Overall, the improvement becomes more evident as the replacement ratio of fly ash and silica fume have increased. With regard to permeability, silica fume is found to be superior to fly ash. Moreover, at least a 30% fly ash replacement and/or a replacement ratio of 5% to 10% silica fume have been found to be highly beneficial as far as sustainability is concerned, particularly for concretes subjected to chloride bearing environments.