Some Engineering Properties of Concrete Containing Natural Pozzolana and Silica Fume

Abstract

Ternary blended cements are often used in cement manufacture using industrial waste and natural resources to produce a low cost and an environment friendly cement. Ternary blended cements also have the advantage of combining the synergic effects of their ingredients, which compensate for their mutual weaknesses. In this paper, the effect of combining a very active mineral addition (silica fume) SF on the mechanical properties and durability of cements containing natural pozzolana NP is analyzed. The optimal couples ″natural pozzolana/silica fume″ proposal is based on their mechanical properties and durability performance. The results confirm that the use of ternary cements contributes to the improvement of strength at an early stage. Better resistance to sulphate and acid attacks and less chloride ions penetration also enhanced durability.