An integrated approach for studying the hydration of portland cement systems containing silica fume

An integrated approach for studying the effect of silica fume addition on the hydration process and microstructural development of cement paste is presented. Theoretical models and data from thermo-gravimetric analysis of paste samples are combined to develop mathematical equations using a single Weibul function that can predict their hydration behavior. Results indicate that the Ca(OH)(2) content of paste decreases and its non-evaporable water content increases, with increased silica fume dosage. Irrespective of the dosage used, the amount of silica fume that completely participates in pozzolanic reactivity is similar to 3.92%-54% and the remainder fills the pores in the system. In addition, an analysis of equation constants indicated that the variation observable for Control and SF-4% or SF-8% and SF-12% paste is merely due to the effect of silica fume dosage whereas the same is not for SF-4% and SF-8%. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.