Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Silica Fume

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Properties of Fresh and Hardened Concrete Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials

Part of the book series: RILEM State-of-the-Art Reports ((RILEM State Art Reports,volume 25))

Abstract

Silica fume concretes have been used since the mid-1970s, in many areas of the world. Such uses have included high strength, high chemical resistance—especially high chloride and sulfate resistance—abrasion and erosion resistance. With the increased focus on sustainability, silica fume—being a by-product—is used to great effect in reducing the Portland cement content of a mix, and allowing the use of higher cement replacement levels of other SCMs such as blastfurnace slag and fly ash. This can reduce both the energy used and the carbon footprint. The higher performance of the silica fume concrete, in terms of strength, can allow for reductions in structural element size, thus reducing the concrete volume needed, saving natural resources. The increased durability can provide greatly extended lifetimes compared to normal Portland concretes, thus also reducing the need for repairs and replacement. Numerous examples are available from the past 40 years of use, and reference should be made to the relevant manufacturers and associations web-sites, for more information.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 129.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 169.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 169.00
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Alonso C, Andrade C, Bade B, Fidjestøl P (1992) Corrosion de armaduras en microhormigones de humo de silica corbonatados (Corrosion of reinforcement in carbonated microconcrete with silica fume). In: Proceedings of the ERMCO conference, Madrid (in Spanish)

    Google Scholar 

  • American Concrete Institute (1996) Guide to the use of silica fume in concrete. American Concrete Institute (ACI 234R-96)

    Google Scholar 

  • American Society for Testing and Materials (1996) Electrical indication of concrete’s ability to resist chloride ion penetration. ASTM, W. Conshohocken, PA (C 1202)

    Google Scholar 

  • Andrija D (1986) Hydration of alite and C3A and changes of some structural characteristics of cement paste by the addition of silica fume. In: Proceedings of the 8th international congress on chemistry of cement, Rio de Janeiro, vol 4, pp 279–85

    Google Scholar 

  • Asgeirsson H (1986) Silica fume in cement and silane for counteracting of alkali–silica reactions in Iceland. Cem Concr Res 16(3)

    Google Scholar 

  • Asgeirsson H, Gudmundsson G (1979) Pozzolanic activity of silica dust. Cem Concr Res 9:249–52

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bache HH (1981) Densified cement/ultrafine particle-based materials. In: Presented at the 2nd international conference on superplasticisers in concrete, Ottawa

    Google Scholar 

  • Berke NS, Dallaire MP, Hicks MC (1992) Plastic, mechanical, corrosion and chemical resistance properties of silica fume (microsilica) concretes. In: Proceedings of the 4th CANMET/ ACI international conference on fly ash, silica fume, slag and natural pozzolans in concrete, Istanbul. American Concrete Institute, Detroit (SP-132)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bentur A, Cohen MD (1987) Effect of condensed silica fume on the microstructure of the interfacial zone in Portland cement mortar. J Am Ceram Soc 70(10)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bentur A, Goldman A, Cohen MD (1987) The contribution of the transition zone to the strength of high quality silica fume concretes. Proc Mater Res Soc Symp Boston 11:1988

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernhard JC (1951) Rapport om forsøk utført med stoff fra Fiskaa. Report from Betonglaboratoriet, NTH, 11 Sept 1951 (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Bernhard JC (1952) SiO2-støv som cementtilsetning. Betongen Idag 17(2):1952

    Google Scholar 

  • Brite Euram Project 5480: economic design and construction with high strength concrete (1995)

    Google Scholar 

  • Buil M, Acker P (1985) Creep of silica fume concrete. Cem Concr Res 15:463–6

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burg RG, Ost BW (1994) Engineering properties of commercially available high-strength concretes (including three-year data). Portland Cement Association, Skokie, 58 p (Research and Development Bulletin RD 104T)

    Google Scholar 

  • Burj Khalifa, Dubai. Elkem Datasheet C13–02, August 2013

    Google Scholar 

  • Burnett ID (1990) The development of silica fume concrete in Melbourne, Australia. In: Proceedings of international conference on concrete for the nineties, Leura, Australia

    Google Scholar 

  • Carles-Gibergues A et al. (1982) Contact zone between cement paste and aggregate. In: Bartos P (ed) Proceedings of the international conference on bond in concrete. Applied Science Publishers, London, pp 24–33

    Google Scholar 

  • Carlsen R, Vennesland O (1982) Sementers sulfat- og sjøvannsbestandighet. FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report STF65 F82010) (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Detwiler RJ, Mehta PK (1989) Chemical and physical effects of silica fume on the mechanical behavior of concrete. ACI Mater J 86(6)

    Google Scholar 

  • Diamond S (1986) The microstructures of cement paste in concrete. In: Proceedings of the 8th international congress on chemistry of cement, Rio de Janeiro, vol 1, pp 122–147

    Google Scholar 

  • Domone PL, Soutsos MN (1995) Properties of high strength concrete mixes containing PFA and ggbs. Mag Concrete Res 46(173)

    Google Scholar 

  • Dunnom DD, Wagner MP (1981) The classification of silicon dioxide powders. ASTM Standardization News (November)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P (1987a) Reinforcement corrosion and the use of CSF-based additives. In: Proceedings of the Katharine and Bryant Mather international conference on concrete durability, Atlanta. American Concrete Institute, Detroit (SP-100)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P (1987b) The benefit of microsilica-based additives in concretes exposed to aggressive environments. In: Proceedings of the 4th international conference on the durability of buildings, materials and construction, Singapore (4DBMC)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P (1990) Concrete for low sulfate concentrations. In: Hinczak I (ed) Proceedings of concrete for the nineties, Leura, NSW

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P (1991) Ulemper ved for høy kompaktering av microsilica (Problems related to excessive densification of microsilica). NIF kurs Sementer, pozzolaner og tilsetningsstoffer, Gol, 11–13 March 1991. Norwegian Society of Chartered Engineers (in Norwegian) (Also at Fabeko Konferansen, 1993, Norwegian Ready-mix Association, 1993)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P (1993) Chloride resistance of blended and triple blend cements. Nordisk Miniseminar om Klorider i Betong, Gøteborg

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P, Frearson J (1994) High-performance concrete using blended and triple blended binders. In: Malhotra VM (ed) Proceedings of the ACI international conference on high performance concrete. American Concrete Institute, Singapore (SP-149)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fidjestøl P et al. (1989) Silica fume-efficiency versus form of delivery. In: Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on the use of fly ash slag, silica fume and natural pozzolans in concrete, Trondheim (supplementary papers volume)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiskaa OM (1973) Betong i alunskifier. Norwegian Geotechnical Institute, Oslo (Publication no. 101) (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Fiskaa O, Hansen H, Moum J (1971) Betong i Alunskifer. Norge Geotekniske Institutt, Oslo (Publication no. 86)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gautefall O (1986a) Effect of condensed silica fume on the diffusion of chlorides through hardened cement paste. In: Proceedings of the 2nd CANMET/ACI international conference on the use of fly ash, silica fume, slag and natural pozzolans in concrete, Madrid (Paper SP 91–48)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gautefall O (1986b) Effect of condensed silica fume on the diffusion of chlorides through hardened cement paste. In: Proceedings of the second international conference on fly ash, silica fume, slag and natural pozzolans in concrete, Madrid. American Concrete Institute (SP-91)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gautefall O, Vennesland Ø (1985) Elektrisk motstand og pH-nivå Modifisert Portlandsement, delrapport 5 (Electrical resistivity and pH level. Modified Portland cement project, Part report 5). SINTEF, Trondheim (Report STF 65 A85042) (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gjorv OE et al. (1986) Effect of condensed silica fume on the steel–concrete bond. Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report BML 86.201)

    Google Scholar 

  • Glasser FP, Marr J (1984) The effect of mineral additives on the composition of cement pore fluids. In: The chemistry and chemically related properties of cement, British Ceramic Society (Proceedings no. 35) 419–29

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldman A, Bentur A (1989) Bond effects in high strength silica fume concretes (ACI86-M39) ACI Mater J 86(5)

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansen W (1987) Creep and drying shrinkage of very high strength concrete. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (Report on project no. 85–593-P1)

    Google Scholar 

  • Helland S (1990) High strength concrete used in highway pavements. In: Hester W (ed) Proceedings of the 2nd international symposium on utilization of high strength concrete, Berkeley

    Google Scholar 

  • Hertz K (1981) Brandpåvirkede betongkonstruksjoner. Dansk Betonforening

    Google Scholar 

  • Holland TC (1983) Abrasion erosion evaluation of concrete admixtures for stilling basin repairs, Kinzua Dam. US Army Engineer Waterways Experiment Station, Structures Laboratory, Pennsylvania, Vicksburg (Miscellaneous Paper SL-83-16)

    Google Scholar 

  • ISO 834: International Standards Organisation 1975. Fire-resistance tests—elements of building construction

    Google Scholar 

  • Jahr J (1980) Possible health hazards from different types of amorphous silicas—suggested threshold limit values. Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo (revised) (HD806/79)

    Google Scholar 

  • Jahren PA (1989) Fire resistance of high strength/dense concrete with particular reference to the use of condensed silica fume—a review. In: Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on fly ash, silica fume, slag and natural pozzolans in concrete, Trondheim American Concrete Institute: SP-114

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansen R (1979) Silicastøv i fabrikksbetong. Langtidseffekter. Trondheim: FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology (Report STF65 F79019) (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Johansen R (1981) Silica in concrete, Report 6: long term effects. FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report STF65 A81031)

    Google Scholar 

  • Krenchel H, Shah S (1985) Applications of polypropylene fibers in Scandinavia. Concr Int: Des Constr 2(3):32–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Lagerblad B, Utkin P (1993) Silica granulates in concrete—dispersion and durability aspects. Swedish Cement and Concrete Institute (CBI), Stockholm

    Google Scholar 

  • Larrard F et al. (1987) Fracture toughness of high strength concrete. In: Proceedings of the utilization of high strength concrete, Stavanger, pp 215–23

    Google Scholar 

  • Lesti M, NG S, Plank J (2010) Ca2+ Ion—mediated interaction between microsilica and polycarboxylate comb polymers in model cement pore solution. J Am Cer Soc 93:3493–3498

    Google Scholar 

  • Lewis R, Bayrak E (2015) Combating ASR to enable usage of local aggregates in Turkey. XVII ERMCO Congres, Istanbul, Turkey (4–5 June 2015)

    Google Scholar 

  • Loland KE (1983) Fasthets-og deformasjonsegenskaper i herdnet tilstand herdebetin-gelser. Presented at the seminar Bruk av Silika i Betong, Norsk Sivilingeniørers Forening, Oslo (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Loland KE, Hustad T (1981) Silica in concrete, Report 2: mechanical properties. FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report STF65 A81031)

    Google Scholar 

  • Luther MD, Halczak W (1995) Long-term performance of silica fume concretes in the USA exposed to abrasion-erosion or cavitation—with 10-year results for Kinzua Dam and Los Angeles River. In: Proceedings of the 5th CANMET/ACI international conference on fly ash, slag, silica fume and other natural pozzolans. American Concrete Institute, Detroit (SP-153) pp 863–884

    Google Scholar 

  • Maage M, Hammer TA (1985) Modifisert Portlandsement. Delrapport 3. Fasthetsutvikling og E-modul. FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report STF65 A85041) (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Maage M, Rueslatten H (1987) Trykkfasthet og blæredannelse pa brannpåkjent høyfastbetong. FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report STF65 A87006) (In Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Mather K (1980) Factors affecting the sulphate resistance of mortars. In: Proceedings of the 7th international conference on chemistry of cements, Paris, vol 4, pp 580–585

    Google Scholar 

  • Mehta PK (1981) Sulphate resistance of blended Portland cements containing pozzolans and granulated blastfurnace slag. In: proceedings of the 5th international symposium on concrete technology, Monterey

    Google Scholar 

  • Monteiro P, Mehta PK (1986) Improvement of the aggregate cement paste transition zone by grain reinforcement of hydration products. In: Proceedings of the 8th international congress on the chemistry of cement, Rio de Janeiro, vol 3

    Google Scholar 

  • Monteiro PJM et al. (1985) Microstructure of the steel—cement paste interface in the presence of chloride. Cem Concr Res 15:781–784

    Google Scholar 

  • Monteiro PJ et al. (1986) Effect of condensed silica fume on the steel—cement paste transition zone. Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report BML 86.205)

    Google Scholar 

  • Oredsson J (1997) Tendency to spalling of high strength concrete. Swedish National Project on High Performance Concrete, Stockholm (Report no. M7-4) (in preparation) (available from Swedish Cement and Concrete Institute (CBI), Stockholm)

    Google Scholar 

  • Orth WA Jr (1988) 311, South Wacker reaches SKYWARD on climb towards ‘Tallest Title’. Constr Digest (5 Sept 1988)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ost B, Burg R High strength silica fume concrete. PCA/CTL communication to be published

    Google Scholar 

  • Price B (1996) Stronger, bigger, better. Concrete (January/February)

    Google Scholar 

  • Price WF, Hynes JP (1996) In-situ testing of high strength concrete. Mag Concr Res 48(176)

    Google Scholar 

  • Page CL, Havdahl J (1985) Electrochemical monitoring of corrosion of steel in microsilica cement pastes. Mater Struct 18(103):41–7

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Persson B (1996) Basic creep of high performance concrete at early ages. RILEM committee on creep in concrete (Also: Swedish National Project on High Performance Concrete, Report M6-36. Available from Swedish Cement and Concrete Institute (CBI))

    Google Scholar 

  • Petterson K (1995) Chloride threshold value and the corrosion rate in reinforced concrete. In: Tuutti K (ed) Proceedings of the Nordic seminar on corrosion of reinforcement: field and laboratory studies for modelling and service life. University of Lund (Report TVBM-3064)

    Google Scholar 

  • Popovic K et al (1984) Improvement of mortar and concrete durability by the use of condensed silica fume. Durab Build Mater 2:171–86

    Google Scholar 

  • Ramakrishnan V, Srinivasan V (1983) Performance characteristics of fibre reinforced condensed silica fume concrete. Am Concr Inst 11:797–812

    Google Scholar 

  • Rasheeduzzafar (1992) Influence of cement composition on concrete durability. ACI Mater J 89(6):574–586

    Google Scholar 

  • Regourd M Microstructure of high strength cement paste systems. In: Young JF (ed) Materials research society symposium proceedings, vol 42

    Google Scholar 

  • Regourd M (1983) Pozzolanic reactivity of condensed silica fume. In: Aitcin PC (ed) condensed silica fume. Université de Sherbrooke, Canada, pp 20–4

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandvik M (1981) Fasthetsutvikling for silikabetong ved ulike temperaturnivå. FCB/SINTEF, Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim (Report STF65 F81016) (in Norwegian)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sandvik M, Haug AK, Hunsbedt OS (1989) Condensed silica fume in high strength concrete for offshore structures—a case record. In: Proceedings of the 3rd international conference on the use of fly ash slag, silica fume and natural pozzolans in concrete, Trondheim, American Concrete Institute (SP 114-54)

    Google Scholar 

  • Sellevold EJ, Radjy FF (1983) Condensed silica fume (microsilica) in concrete: water demand and strength development. American Concrete Institute (Publication SP-79, U), pp 677–94

    Google Scholar 

  • Sellevold EJ et al. (1982) Silica fume-cement paste: hydration and pore structure. The Norwegian Institute of Technology, Trondheim, Norway (Report BML 82.610), pp 19–50

    Google Scholar 

  • Shirley ST et al. Fire endurance of high strength concrete slabs. Concrete International

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas M, Hopkins DS, Perreault M, Cail K. Ternary Cement in Canada. Concrete International, July 2007

    Google Scholar 

  • Tomaszewicz A (1985) Pilotforsøk med kryp i høyfast betong. Delrapport 5. Høyfast Betong. SINTEF/FCB, Trondheim (Report no. STF65A85006)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vennesland O (1981) Silica concrete, Report 3. Corrosion properties. FCB/SINTEF, Trondheim (SINTEF Report no. STF65 A81031)

    Google Scholar 

  • Vennesland O, Gjørv OE (1983) Silica concrete—protection against corrosion of embedded steel. American Concrete Institute (Publication SP-79), vol 11, pp 719–729

    Google Scholar 

  • Vikan H, Justnes H (2007) Rheology of cementitious paste with silica fume and limestone. Cem Concr Res 37:1512–1517

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vogel E (2008) New Indianapolis Airport Parking Garage delivers Sustainability and 2.5 million square feet of parking space. The Parking Professional

    Google Scholar 

  • Wallevik OH, Gjørv OE (1988) Effekt av silika på betongens støpelighetog arbeidbarhet. Institutt For Bygningsmateriallære, Trondheim (Report no. BML 88.202)

    Google Scholar 

  • W-Comfort Towers, Tokyo. Elkem Datasheet C4–32, June 2003

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolsiefer J (1982) Ultra high strength field placeable concrete in the range 10,000–18,000 psi (69–124 MPa). American concrete institute annual conference, Atlanta

    Google Scholar 

  • Wolsiefer JT Sr (1991) Silica fume concrete: a solution to steel reinforcement corrosion in concrete. In: Proceedings of the 2nd international conference on the durability of concrete. American Concrete Institute, Detroit (SP-126), pp 527–558

    Google Scholar 

  • Yogendran V, Langan BW (1987) Utilization of silica fume in high strength concrete. In: Proceedings of utilization of high strength concrete. Tapir Publishers, Stavanger, Trondheim

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang M, Gjørv OE (1991) Effect of silica fume on pore structure and chloride diffusivity of low porosity cement pastes. Cem Concr Res 21(6)

    Google Scholar 

Further Reading/Information Sources

  • ACI publications—ACI 234.R “Guide for the use of Silica Fume in Concrete”

    Google Scholar 

  • Concrete Society (UK)—Technical Report 41 “Microsilica in Concrete”

    Google Scholar 

  • CRC Press—“Condensed Silica Fume in Concrete” (1987)

    Google Scholar 

  • Elkem Silicon Materials—www.elkem.com/en/Concrete

  • FIP—State of the Art Report (1988) Condensed silica fume in Concrete

    Google Scholar 

  • Institute of Concrete Technology (UK) - Advanced Concrete Technology (Constituent Materials) (2003)

    Google Scholar 

  • The Silica Fume Association (including Life365)—www.silicafume.org

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. FACI, FCS, FICT. Elkem Silicon Materials, Oslo, Norway

    Robert C. Lewis

Authors
  1. Robert C. Lewis
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert C. Lewis .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Nele De Belie

  2. School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom

    Marios   Soutsos

  3. Magnel Laboratory for Concrete Research, Department of Structural Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

    Elke Gruyaert

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2018 RILEM

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Lewis, R.C. (2018). Silica Fume. In: De Belie, N., Soutsos, M., Gruyaert, E. (eds) Properties of Fresh and Hardened Concrete Containing Supplementary Cementitious Materials. RILEM State-of-the-Art Reports, vol 25. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70606-1_3

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-70606-1_3

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-70605-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-70606-1

  • eBook Packages: EngineeringEngineering (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation