StrengthCrete (Microsilica)
StrengthCrete Microsilica is a concrete additive for high-strength-high-performance concrete. It helps make concrete cohesive and impermeable thereby enhancing its physical as well as mechanical properties. Use of StrengthCrete along with cement can also lead to greater economy and faster execution of projects. StrengthCrete is reliable, cost effective concrete additive that is designed for ease of mixing, placing and finishing.
It is a mineral admixture made of very fine spherical silicon dioxide with an extremely high surface area. As a result of pozzolanic and cementitious properties of Silica fume, it can create an impact on the concrete behaviour in many ways, thus improving the qualities of concrete. As StrengthCrete Microsilica is an essential element of modern refractory technology, it is very compatible with cements, and this quality, in turn, helps it to prevent the conversion of high-alumina cement. The desired characteristics of both pozzolanic materials combine in producing optimally durable concrete. StrengthCrete Microsilica provides more uniform distribution and a greater volume of hydration products and decreases the average size of pores in the cement paste.
Benefits of StrengthCrete(Microsilica)
- Complies with ASTM C1240.
- Available in convenient pack sizes of 25Kgs & 1000 Kgs.
- Provides cohesive and impermeable concrete. Suitable for making high-strength-high performance concrete.
- Helps improve physical as well as mechanical properties of concrete.
- Helps in preventing Chloride initiated corrosion, Alkali-aggregate reaction, Sulphate attack, etc.
- Helps in achieving greater economy since higher strength of concrete enables reduction in sections.
- No special equipment required for mixing, placing or finishing.
- Compatible with all types of cements and admixtures.
- Backed by team of specialists to ensure optimum product performance and cost efficiency.
Dosage of StrengthCrete
General dosage of StrengthCrete in concrete can be 4 to 15% of the weight of cement. However, Structural Engineer's advice is recommended for deciding actual dosage.
Physical & Chemical analysis of StrengthCrete & StrengthCrete+
Property | Specifications | StrengthCrete | StrengthCrete+ |
---|---|---|---|
SiO2 % | Min-85% | 85% | 92 |
AI203 | - | - | - |
>45 micron | Max-10% | - 1% | - 1% |
CaO | - | <1 | <1 |
Fineness M2/gm | Min-15 | 17 | 20 |
Specific Gravity | - | 2.22 | 2.17 |
Loss & Ignition(L.0.1) % | Max-6.0% | 3.19 | 2.96 |
Moisture content % | Max-3.0% | 0.85 | 0.54 |
Bulk density Kg/M3 | Min 500-700 | 610 | 630 |
Let’s Find Out How StrengthCrete Microsilica Works in Concrete…
As mentioned above StrengthCrete Microsilica is noted for its Pozzolonic effect. When water is mixed with cement, hydration occurs forming two products as Calcium silicate hydrate and Calcium Hydroxide. And when the StrengthCrete Microsilica is added to cement it will react and reduce rather the weak Calcium Hydroxide simultaneously providing the much desired binding strength. Another remarkable effect of StrengthCrete Microsilica is the Micro filler effect, as Silica Fume is an extremely fine material, due to this, the addition of StrengthCrete Microsilica can fill the water spaces in fresh concrete.
StrengthCrete Microsilica provides a more uniform distribution and a greater volume of hydration products; as filler, strengthcrete microsilica decreases the average size of pores in the cement paste. The addition of strengthcrete microsilica to a concrete mix alters the cement paste structure. Because the strengthcrete microsilica particles are so small they disperse among and separate the cement particles. The resulting fine, uniform matrix can give markedly higher compressive, flexural, and bond strength. StrengthCrete Microsilica reduces the rate of carbonation, decreases permeability to chloride ions, imparts high electrical resistivity, and has little effect on oxygen transport. Therefore, strengthcrete microsilica concrete can be expected to be strongly protective of reinforcement and embedments. The silica fume reacts rapidly providing high early strength and durability.
Technical advantages of StrengthCrete(Microsilica)
- Technical advantages of StrengthCrete Improvements in Physical properties of concrete: StrengthCrete makes concrete more cohesive and therefore less prone to segregation. StrengthCrete requires less water in concrete which help in reducing bleeding of concrete considerably. A dosage of StrengthCrete in excess of 5% of cement can help in completely eliminating bleeding.
- Improvements in Mechanical properties of concrete: StrengthCrete makes concrete high-strength high-performance, which helps in enhancing the other mechanical properties of concrete such as modulus of elasticity or flexural strength. This property of StrengthCrete can help in reducing sections of structural members, which can lead to: more space in residential and commercial buildings; and greater flexibility in designing infrastructures such as bridges and fly-overs.
- StrengthCrete makes concrete impermeable owing to the secondary hydration process. This property of StrengthCrete can help in eliminating the possibility of corrosion of reinforcing steel due to chloride and sulphate attack. This also helps in eliminating the risk of alkali-aggregate reaction in areas where aggregates are alkali reactive.