As part of research to develop a highly durable concrete container for radioactive waste disposal in chloride and sulfate bearing granite groundwaters, a variety of cement pastes were studied. A sulfate resisting portland cement was used with various replacement levels of Class F fly ash and pelletized blast furnace slag at a water to solids ratio (W/S) = 0.36. Blends with fly ash, slag, and silica fume were also combined with a super water reducer at W/S = 0.25. Results are presented for strength development, permeability to water, and pore size distribution after 7, 28, 91, and 182 days moist curing. As a direct measure of durability, after 91 days moist curing, paste prisms were immersed in both de-ionized water and a synthetic chloride and sulfate bearing groundwater at 70°C.

As the first of its kind, this book presents a balanced view of the effect of condensed silica fume on the physical, chemical, mechanical, and durability aspects with respect to cement paste, mortar, and concrete. It discusses the nature and types of condensed silica fume, physical characteristics, product variation and problems involved in its handling and transportation.

Deterioration of concrete structures due to reinforcement corrosion because of chloride ingress is a growing problem in many countries throughout the world. Partial replacement of portland cement by mineral additions, such as ground granulated blast furnace (GGBS), silica fume and fly ash influences the resistance of the pastes and mortars to the chloride environments. The rate of chloride ingress into mortar depends on the pore structure and the capacity of the hydration products to bind chlorides.

This report provides a comprehensive review of the properties of concrete containing condensed silica fume(CSF) at each stage of hardening, emphasizing the improvements gained in durability.