Long-term chloride diffusion in silica fume concrete in harsh marine climates

Supplementary cementitious materials such as silica fume are typically necessary for producing high performance concrete for marine environments in hot regions, such as the Persian Gulf. Silica fume use generally improves the strength and/or durability properties of the concrete. This paper investigates the effects of silica fume on various properties of concrete specimens that were exposed to Persian Gulf conditions. Samples were taken at the ages of 3, 9 and 36 months and analyzed to determine the chloride diffusion coefficient. The results show that partial cement replacement with up to 7.5% silica fume reduces the diffusion coefficient, whereas for higher replacement rates the diffusion coefficient does not decrease significantly. Also time-dependent chloride diffusion and compressive strength of concrete containing silica fume are investigated.