
Powder silica fume (densified) for high performance concrete
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 is a powder silica fume mineral additive used to produce high performance concrete. It is available in two forms: BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 U (i.e. Undensified), with bulk density typically of 200 ~ 350 kg/m³ and BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D (i.e. Densified), with bulk density typically of 450 ~ 700 kg/m³.
When added to the concrete mix, the ultra-fine particles of BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D significantly improve the particle packing by physically filling the voids in the cement paste. This leads to a more densified concrete skeleton with reduced levels of bleeding. On the other hand, this product reacts chemically with the calcium hydroxide present in the cement paste, yielding a calcium silicate hydrate gel that significantly enhances strength, water/chloride impermeability, and durability.
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D can be incorporated in a wide variety of high strength and specialty concrete mixtures such as underwater, shotcrete, self-consolidating, and pre-stressed. In the design stage, it constitutes an ideal alternative to improve strength and reduce sizing of structural sections such as columns, retaining walls, bridges, dams, and marine structures.
Concrete prepared with BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D is characterized by the following:
In the plastic state: • Better cohesiveness with less bleeding and segregation • Improved pumpability of concrete
In the hardened state: • Increased compressive and flexural strengths at all ages • Greatly reduced permeability against water and aggressive chemicals • Increased resistance to abrasion and erosion • Improved concrete durability and better surface quality
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D is not a hazardous material. However, it should not be breathed or allowed to come into contact with skin and eyes. Suitable gloves and goggles should be worn. For additional information, kindly refer to the product’s Material Safety Data Sheet.
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D complies with ASTM C 1240.
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D is normally used at the rate of 5% to 12% of the cement weight, depending on the amount of strength increase and permeability reduction desired. Primarily trials tests are recommended using the actual mix composition with site materials, in particular if dosages greater than 10% of the cement weight are to be used.
Concrete containing BATIMIX Silica fume 710 D may be placed in the same manner as conventional concrete. However, special emphasis should be given to the finishing and curing operations. For example, silica fume makes the concrete more vulnerable to plastic shrinkage cracks due to the absence of bleeding associated with a rapid moisture loss from the concrete surface. In such a case, concrete should be promptly reworked and thoroughly covered with a wet burlap. On the other hand, proper curing methods such as continuous moist curing or liquid compound membranes should be implemented for a minimum of 7 days.
For indication purposes, the compressive strengths after 28 days of concrete made with 0.50 W/C and various percentages of 0%, 5%, and 10% of BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D will vary from 35.4, 38.1, and 42.5 MPa, respectively.
An overdose of BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D will result in a highly sticky and viscous concrete with significantly reduced workability. This leads to greater amounts of superplasticizer for a given workability, which in turn may lead to some set retardation. Furthermore, the concrete may become difficult to finish requiring special finishing and curing procedures.
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D is compatible with all other Batimix admixtures incorporated in the same concrete. Concrete mixtures based on Portland cement with or without replacement materials such as fly ash and blast furnace slag are also fully compatible with BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D.
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D is introduced in the concrete mixer in a similar manner and at the same time as Portland cement or any other cementitious material such as fly ash or blast furnace slag. Because of its ultra-fine particles, the mixing time should generally be increased to ensure effective dispersion throughout the mass concrete.
Holderchem provides, upon request, technical advisory services pertaining to concrete mix design, admixture selection, materials testing, and dispensing systems.
BATIMIX Silica Fume 710 D has a minimum shelf life of 12 months if kept unopened and stored at temperatures ranging from 2 to 50 ºC.