Effect of silica fume/binder ratio on compressive strength development of reactive powder concrete under two curing systems

This paper aims to investigate the influence of Silica fume proportion ratio in respect to the total amount of binder on compressive strength of reactive powder concrete cured in two curing systems. Four ratios of Silica fume (0%, 15%, 25% and 35%) as replacement of cement weight were considered. After de-molding, two curing systems were used: the first included immersing the cubic specimens in water at 24 ± 2°C until the test. In the second, the specimens were immersed in hot water at 105 ± 5°C (accelerated curing) for 48 hours, then in water at 24 ± 2°C until the test. The results show that mix which contains 25% Silica fume imparts more enhancement on compressive strength as compared to the control mix. Also, it was found that the second system of curing has more influence on compressive strength development than the first one, especially at earlier ages.