| In this investigation, water-to-binder ratios, as well as percentage replacement of silica fume, were varied to study the effect of their interaction at various levels on the performance of concrete. Four critical aspects of concrete performance were investigated namely: ultrasonic pulse velocity, compressive strength, chloride permeability, and drying shrinkage. In addition, statistical regression analysis was performed to correlate ultrasonic pulse velocity with compressive strength.; Test results indicated that silica fume significantly contributes to the enhancement of compressive strength. Ultrasonic pulse velocity was found to be inversely proportional to silica fume content as well as to compressive strength. Considerable reduction in permeability and shrinkage were achieved as a result of silica fume increase, whereas the increase in water content increased the permeability.; Using statistical regression analysis, suitable quadratic empirical models were developed for both compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity as function of water and silica fume contents. |
