Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Investigating the mechanical properties, shrinkage and microstructure of self-compacting earth concrete containing silica fume

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mehrzad Azizi 1
Kianoosh Samimi 2
1 Masters student, Faculty of Civil, Water and Environmental Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
2 Assistant Professor, Faculty of Civil, Water and Environment Engineering, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22065/jsce.2024.454948.3399
Abstract
The use of self-compacting earth concrete, despite the advantage of reducing the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, has always been less favored by employers in the construction industry due to the weakness of its mechanical properties. Therefore, in this research, the synergistic effect of silica fume with clay and cement on the mechanical properties, shrinkage, and microstructure of self-compacting earth concrete has been investigated. At first, the optimal composition was determined based on the amount of different percentages of silica fume (7.5%, 10%, and 12.5%) and the selection of different curing methods based on increasing the compressive strength of cement paste containing clay. Then, based on the results of the highest compressive strength of cement paste, the optimal mix design was selected for the production of concrete samples, and subsequently, the mechanical properties, shrinkage, and microstructure were investigated. Based on the results, the compressive strength of two-component mixtures (clay and cement) showed better performance in dry curing, while wet curing was more suitable for mixtures containing silica fume. The compressive strength of the concrete sample containing 50% of clay instead of cement decreased by 56.96% and 60.88% respectively after 28 and 90 days of curing in air conditions compared to the control sample. On the other hand, the mixture containing 50% clay and 10% silica fume improved the compressive strength by 28.08% in 28 days and 35.18% in 90 days compared to the mixture containing 50% clay. Finally, the microstructural analysis showed that the presence of a silica compound in silica fume causes the production of more hydrated calcium silicate gel (CSH) and subsequently creates a denser microstructure.
Keywords
Clay
Silica fume
Microstructure
Environment
Mechanical strength

Subjects

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  • Receive Date 12 May 2024
  • Revise Date 07 July 2024
  • Accept Date 04 August 2024