02. Sulphate Resistance

Silica fume concrete has a low susceptibility for penetration by sulphate ions and a high chemical resistance that provides a higher degree of protection against sulphates than low tricalcium aluminate (C3A) and other sulphate resisting cements or fly ash and other cementitious binder systems.

03. Heat Reduction 

By replacing cement with condensed silica fume and observing its efficiency factor, a lower maximum temperature rise and temperature differential will take place for concrete with the same strength. The performance is better in comparison to slag and fly ash blends in case of thick sections. It is also proved to be the most effective way of achieving low heat concrete without compromising the strength at an early age.

04. Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance of Silica fume concrete is very high. The use of silica fume concrete in floor and pavement construction saves time and money. It also improves the operational efficiency for the facility operator. The hydraulic abrasion-erosion resistance of concrete is enhanced which makes it perfectly suitable for the construction of dam spillways.

05. Chemical Resistance

Micro silica concrete finds a wide application in industrial structures that are exposed to an array of aggressive chemicals. In the alimentary industry, there is over exposure due to fat acids, other acids and detergents, etc. Where as in the chemical industry, the exposure is to mineral acids, phosphates, nitrates, petrochemicals, etc. Therefore, it is invaluable in both industrial and agricultural sectors.

06. Micro Silica Waterproof Concrete

Since it has low permeability, silica fume can be used as an integral waterproof concrete for underground structures where some dampness is expected. For example, they can be used in car parks, basements etc.

07. High Strength Concrete

Condensed silica fume in conjunction with super plasticizers can be used to produce very high strength concrete about 70 Mpa to 120 Mpa. High strength concrete imparts huge economic benefits to the developers with reduced column and wall thickness in tall buildings and improvement of construction schedule. Alkyl micro silica was used to achieve high strength and high-performance concrete for construction of the tallest buildings in the world such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa Constructed Using Micro Silica Concrete

08. Shotcrete

Shotcrete is a process of applying or spraying of concrete or mortar on the element or surface by pneumatic pressure with high velocity to give a very dense durable concrete or mortar layer. It is also known as air blown concrete or mortar.
Micro silica concrete can be used in shotcrete, produced by either wet or dry processes. It increases the application thickness per mass and improves resistance to washout in marine construction or wet areas. It also improves the properties of hardened Shotcrete.

09. Tunnel and Mining Operations 

In tunnel and mining operations, application of silica fume is popular in a variety of ways. In sprayed concrete mixtures, particles of micro silica make concrete mixtures more cohesive by reducing rebound and wastage.

10. Bridge Construction

Several of the longest sea bridges in the world use silica fume as it reduces permeability of concrete as well as increases the resistance to sulphates, chloride ingress and reinforcement corrosion.

Bridges Constructed Using Silica Fume Concrete

Advantages of Micro Silica 

When micro silica is added to ordinary cement, it enhances the below mentioned properties of concrete:

• Bond improvement

• Lesser heat of hydration

• Reduction of alkali aggregate reaction

• Enhanced compressive strength

• Reduced permeability

• Minimizes the bleeding

• Reduces segregation of concrete

• Improves the durability of concrete

• Makes the concrete more cohesive

Disadvantages of Micro Silica 

• Its price is higher in comparison to cement and fly ash.

• It increases the shrinkage of the cement slurry, which increases the risk of cracking.

• Since the workability of silica fume concrete is less, the application becomes difficult. In this case, uniformity of surface is compromised.