Silica Fume and Calcined Clay in Concrete

This lecture covers the production and use of silica fume, an ultra-fine silicate by-product of electric arc furnaces, in high-performance concrete. It also discusses the advantages and availability of supplementary cementitious materials like calcined clay, limestone, and fly ash. The incorporation of fillers in concrete to reduce porosity and improve properties is explained, along with the concept of ternary cements combining Portland cement, calcined clay, and limestone. The lecture showcases the benefits of using ternary cements, such as reduced clinker content, lower CO2 emissions, and enhanced durability. Examples of concrete mixtures with different materials are presented, highlighting their impact on strength, porosity, and long-term performance.