Transport properties of high-performance cementitious composites incorporating micro and nano SiO ₂ into the binder

Abstract In this paper, transport properties of high-performance self-compacting concrete (SCC), as one of the important cementitious composites incorporating micro and nano silica (NS) (SiO ₂ ) into the binder, have been investigated. For this purpose, different mixtures were designed with different amounts of silica fume (SF) and NS admixtures. Different binder contents were also investigated to observe the binder content effect on the concrete properties. Corrosion behavior was evaluated by chloride penetration and resistivity tests. Water absorption and capillary absorption were also measured as other durability related properties. The results showed that water absorption, capillary absorption, and Cl ion percentage decreased rather significantly in the mixtures containing admixtures especially the blend of SF and NS. By addition of the admixtures, resistivity of the SCC mixtures increased, which can lead to reduction of corrosion probability.