Silica Based Concrete Additives- Usage and Sources
In the domain of construction, concrete additives have a definite role to play. They are put to use in modifying various properties such as hardening, comprehensive strength, durability etc. Every property finds its use in various fields of construction, all the more so in large and weight deportment construction.
More about concrete additives
Concrete additives are bestowed with variant chemical compositions. They are chemical and natural additives. Out of them silica-based concrete additives are the natural ones, put to use in various construction projects. The additives can establish a bond with cement components whereby properties of concrete are enhanced.
Mixing additives is a skilled and specialized job that is undertaken at the site under the able supervision of a civil engineer. How successful an additive is would depend on the type and method of additive. Though the objective of mixing additives to the concrete are numerous, the onus to mix silica-based concrete additives is empowered it with durability and comprehensive strength. Due to the presence of chlorides, it prevents corrosion in the environment.
The silica-based concrete additives are incorporated with pozzolans. They are components forming an additional bond with concrete and enhance their strength.
Silica concrete additives and their source of origin
The additives are found in various natural sources. They are available in the form of volcanic ash, fly ash. All of them are embedded with pozzolans. Study on silica-based concrete additives reveals that natural additives can go on to modify concrete in various ways.
In silica based concrete additives, puzzolans are present that enhance the workability of concrete and the strength is enhanced. The reason being puzzolans can establish a strong bond with cement. Upon adding these additives concentration of calcium hydroxide comes down.
A major use of the additives is to design concrete structures that could bear the brunt of corrosive agents in the form of numerous chlorides. Any marine structure or the ones near the seacoast has to be formed with the aid of concrete additives. The presence of such agents can prevent corrosion and long life is ensured to the structures.
Lastly, a dense paste is formed paving way for increased comprehensive strength. The silica-based concrete additives are known to form a homogenous paste with mortar. One more reason for increasing in enhanced comprehensive strength is the presence of puzzolans. The presence of such additives enhances bond strength.
