Microsilica, or silica fume, is a by-product of the silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production. When these alloys are made, a small amount of silicon dioxide and other materials are vaporized and condensed. This results in a very fine powder ,with an average particle size of 1 micron, that is collected and used in various industrial applications, including as an additive in concrete.

When used as a concrete admixture, silica fume reacts with the calcium hydroxide released during the hydration of cement to form additional calcium silicate hydrate (CSH), which increases the strength and durability of concrete.

Silica fume concrete is often used in construction projects that require high-strength concrete, such as bridges, parking decks, and high-rise buildings. It is also used in areas where corrosion resistance is important, such as marine environments.

History of silica fume concrete

Silica fume concrete was first developed in the early 1940s, but it wasn’t until the late 1970s that its use began to increase. This is due to the fact that it’s much stronger and more durable than traditional concrete, making it ideal for high-rise buildings and other structures that need to be able to withstand a lot of stress.

Construction workers building the new World Trade Center Towers in New York City are using a new type of concrete, made with silica fume. This so-called microsilica fume concrete is stronger and more durable than conventional concrete, and it will help to ensure the safety of the buildings in the event of another terrorist attack.

The 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center highlighted the need for stronger, more durable buildings. The new WTC towers are being built with silica fume concrete to help ensure their safety in the event of another attack.

How is silica fume concrete made?

There are a few different ways to make silica fume concrete. One popular method is to mix the silica fume with Portland cement and water, then add it to the aggregate. Another way is to mix the silica fume with water and an admixture, then add it to the concrete mix.

Silica fume concrete is made by adding either wet or dry silica fume to the concrete mix. The amount of silica fume added can vary depending on the desired outcome. For example, adding more silica fume will result in a stronger but more brittle concrete, while adding less will result in a weaker but more flexible concrete.

What are the benefits of silica fume concrete?

The use of silica fume in concrete has many benefits, including increased strength and durability, reduced permeability, and improved resistance to chemical attack.

When used as an admixture in concrete, silica fume can improve the compressive strength by up to 20%, and can also increase the flexural strength and abrasion resistance. In addition, silica fume concrete has a lower permeability than conventional concrete, making it more resistant to water and chemical attack.

Silica fume concrete is therefore an ideal choice for many applications where increased strength and durability are required, such as in marine environments or in contact with aggressive chemicals.

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Some applications of silica fume concrete

1. As a high-strength, non-reinforced concrete: Silica fume concrete can be used as a high-strength, non-reinforced material. When used in this way, it is often referred to as microsilica fume concrete. This type of concrete has been used in the construction of bridges, parking garages, and other structures where high strength is required without the use of reinforcement.

2. As a repair material: Silica fume concrete can also be used as a repair material for existing structures. It can be used to patch cracks and holes, or to fill voids left by the removal of other materials. It is often used to repair damaged concrete surfaces such as sidewalks and roadways.