Early Discoveries and Initial Use

Fumée de silice, également connu sous le nom de microsilice, was first identified as a byproduct of the silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production processes in the 1940s and 1950s. During this period, it was discovered that fine silicon dioxide particles were being produced in large quantities during the smelting of silicon metal. These particles were initially considered waste and were often emitted into the atmosphere, causing significant environmental pollution.

Recognition of Potential

In the 1970s, researchers began to recognize the potential uses of silica fume in construction materials, particularly in the field of concrete technology. It was observed that silica fume could act as a pozzolan—a material that, when mixed with lime and water, forms compounds with cementitious properties. The high silica content and ultra-fine particle size of silica fume made it a valuable additive for enhancing the properties of concrete.

Commercial Production and Applications

By the late 1970s and early 1980s, commercial production of silica fume began. Its use in concrete was driven by its ability to improve several key properties, tel que:

• Force: Béton de fumée de silice has significantly higher compressive and tensile strength compared to conventional concrete.
• Durabilité: It enhances the resistance of concrete to aggressive chemicals and environmental conditions, reducing the permeability and thus the susceptibility to damage from freeze-thaw cycles, chlorures, and sulfates.
• Maniabilité: When properly used, silica fume can improve the workability of concrete, though it often requires the use of superplasticizers to maintain workability due to its high water demand.

Landmark Projects and Increased Adoption

The adoption of silica fume in high-performance concrete (CHP) gained momentum through its use in several landmark construction projects. Par exemple:

• Aux Etats-Unis, the use of silica fume in the construction of the Paine Field taxiway in Washington State during the 1980s demonstrated its benefits in terms of durability and strength, encouraging wider acceptance.
• In Norway, silica fume was used in the construction of the Heidrun oil platform, which required concrete with exceptional durability to withstand harsh marine environments.

Regulatory and Standards Development

As the benefits of silica fume became more widely recognized, standards and guidelines were developed to ensure its proper use in concrete. Organizations such as the American Concrete Institute (ACI) and ASTM International established specifications and testing methods for silica fume, providing a framework for its safe and effective use in construction projects.

Modern Applications and Ongoing Research

Aujourd'hui, silica fume is a well-established material in the construction industry, particularly for applications requiring high-performance concrete. It is commonly used in:

• Bridges and marine structures: where durability and resistance to aggressive environments are critical.
• High-rise buildings: where the increased strength of silica fume concrete allows for more slender and lighter structural elements.
• Industrial floors and pavements: where high abrasion resistance and reduced permeability are desirable.

Ongoing research continues to explore new applications and optimize the use of silica fume in combination with other supplementary cementitious materials to further enhance the performance and sustainability of concrete.

En résumé, the history of silica fume is a story of transforming a waste product into a valuable material that has significantly improved the performance and durability of concrete in various demanding applications.

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