| In order to inhibit the deterioration of concrete structures in the Arabian Gulf environment, emphasis has been shifted from the requirements of concrete strength towards to its durability, especially the selection of materials. Towards this end, silica fume and other types of blended cement materials are being used. However, silica fume cement concrete is also more susceptible to plastic shrinkage cracking, and under hot weather conditions, this cracking could be further aggravated. This research was conducted to investigate the effect of the type and dosage of silica fume and other blended cements on the plastic shrinkage cracking of concrete. The effect of cement type, superplasticizer type, temperature, relative humidity and wind velocity on the plastic shrinkage strains, cracking and the microstructure were conducted. Additional studies to evaluate the effect of the type of silica fume on the early age properties, such as the compressive strength; the split tensile strength and the ultrasonic pulse velocity were also conducted. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
