The Effect of Silica Fume (S.F) on the Properties of Fresh and Hardened Concrete

General Introduction

Concrete is a composite material consisting of aggregates enclosed in a matrix of cement paste including possible pozzolans, has two major components, cement paste and aggregates. The strength of concrete depends upon the strength of these components, their deformation properties, and the adhesion between the paste and aggregate surface [ 1 ]. In recent years, the construction industry has shown significant interest in the use of high strength concrete (HSC), in applications such as dams, bridges and high rise buildings. This is due to significant structural, economic and architectural advantages that HSC can provide compared to conventional, normal strength concrete (NSC). Although high strength concrete is often considered a relatively new material, its developed has been gradual over many years. Definition of the minimum strength value for high – strength concrete varies with time and geographical location depending on the availability of raw material and the technical Know-how, and the demand form the industry