Utilization of silica fume in concrete: Review of hardened properties

Several types of industrial byproducts are generated. With increased environmental awareness and its potential hazardous effects, utilization of industrial byproducts has become an attractive alternative to disposal. One such by-product is silica fume (SF), which is a byproduct of the smelting process in the silicon and ferrosilicon industry. Silica fume is very effective in the design and development of high strength high performance concrete. This paper covers the physical, chemical properties of silica fume, and its reaction mechanism. It deals with the effect of silica fume on the workability, porosity, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, creep and shrinkage of concrete. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.