Compressive strength development of condensed Silica fume modified mortars

Presented investigation is a part of the research program the main goal of which is the recognition and analysis of the procedure leading to obtain high strength concrete (HSC). Condensed Silica Fume (CSF), a key component of HSC, causes significant changes in concrete behaviour in fresh and hardening state. Consequently, proportioning, processing and curing conditions are factors of primary importance for mechanical properties of concrete containing CSF. The influence of these factors is not recognized in sufficient measure. This paper shows the results of research concerning compressive strength development of CSF mortars in different processing and curing conditions. Compressive strength development in CSF mortars has been found strongly dependent on processing and curing conditions. To fully utilize the CSF potential, mortars and concretes with this addition require precisely designed and performed preparing process, taking into account proportioning (especially the w/c ratio), CSF content, mixing time and intensity and curing conditions.