Combined effect of silica fume and additive on the behavior of high performance concretes subjected to high temperatures

This study examines the effect of the additions of silica fume and super plasticizer on the mechanical performance of high performance concretes at high temperatures. The tested concretes are formulated with 5% silica fume and two dosages of super plasticizers in the ratio of (2%, 2.5%) the weight of cement after having been exposed to four maximum temperatures, 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C and 900 °C without intermediate level, for a ripening cycle 24 hours in total. The results obtained show that the mechanical resistance at 28 day increases with the degree of temperature compared to that measured at 20 °C. On the contrary, a clear decrease is observed between 600 °C and 900 °C. However, material composition seems to have great influence on the mechanical strength.