Silica Fume Topic

Silica Fume Topic

Silica fume, a byproduct of silicon metal or ferrosilicon alloys production, enhances concrete’s mechanical and durability properties by improving resistance to chloride ion penetration and increasing strength.

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What is Silica Fume?

Introduction to Silica Fume

Silica fume is a very fine, noncrystalline silica produced in electric arc furnaces as a byproduct of the production of elemental silicon or alloys containing silicon. It is composed mostly of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2) and possesses high reactivity when used in concrete.

The primary raw materials used in these furnaces include quartz, coal, and woodchips. The smoke emitted during the furnace operation is collected and sold as silica fume, rather than being expelled into the environment.

Properties and Benefits

Due to its fine particles, large surface area, and high SiO2 content, silica fume is a highly reactive pozzolan. When added to concrete, it significantly improves strength and durability. This material is available from suppliers of concrete admixtures and can be seamlessly integrated during the concrete production process.

High-strength concrete made with silica fume is highly resistant to chloride ion penetration, making it ideal for applications such as bridges, parking structures, and other infrastructure to combat corrosion caused by deicing or marine salts.

Usage in High-Strength Concrete

With advancements in concrete technology, high-strength concrete, which used to be designated at 6,000 psi, can now exceed compressive strengths of 15,000 psi thanks to silica fume. As an example, some high-rise structures have utilized silica-fume concrete achieving compressive strengths of 12,000 psi.

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Specifying and Handling

Integrating silica fume into concrete requires careful specification to achieve the desired properties. Assistance in specifying silica-fume concrete can be obtained from the Silica Fume Association (SFA) or major admixture suppliers. It is available in both wet and dry forms, making it versatile for various concrete production methods such as central-mix and dry-batch plants.

Transportation and Curing

Silica-fume concrete should be transported, placed, finished, and cured following the American Concrete Institute’s guidelines. Generally, such concrete requires less finishing effort and can undergo efficient placement and texturing with minimal waiting time between operations.

Effective curing is crucial to maximize the benefits of using silica fume. Guidance on construction operations for silica-fume concrete can be obtained from the SFA or your concrete supplier to ensure high-quality results.

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