A comparative study on effect of curing temperature on the properties of silica fume concrete
Loading...
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
UMT. Lahore
Abstract
This thesis investigates the influence of curing temperature on the mechanical and physical
properties of concrete incorporating silica fume as a partial cement replacement. Silica fume,
known for its pozzolanic reactivity and ability to enhance concrete strength and durability, was
evaluated under various curing conditions including ambient curing, steam curing, and water
curing. The experimental findings of this study demonstrate that incorporating silica fume as a
partial replacement of cement significantly influences the strength development and
workability of concrete. It was observed that higher dosages of silica fume negatively affect
workability due to increased water demand, attributed to its high fineness and surface area.
However, replacement levels between 5% and 15% yielded the most favorable results, offering
an optimal balance between workability and compressive strength.
At early ages (3 days), concrete mixes within this replacement range showed improved strength
development, indicating the initiation of the pozzolanic reaction. This trend is consistent with
previously published literature and confirms that silica fume enhances early-age performance
without compromising fresh properties when used in moderate quantities. Moreover, the
strength of concrete continued to increase at 28 days, as the pozzolanic reaction became more
pronounced over time, contributing to a denser microstructure and higher compressive strength.
Additionally, curing at elevated temperatures (such as 37°C) was found to accelerate the rate
of hydration and pozzolanic activity, resulting in higher early-age strength compared to curing
at ambient or lower temperatures.
Overall, the study concludes that 5–15% silica fume replacement, combined with proper
temperature-controlled curing conditions, can significantly enhance the mechanical properties
of concrete, especially in strength development, while maintaining acceptable workability.