Thermal conductivity and compressive strength of concrete incorporation with mineral admixtures

Abstract

In this study, the effect of silica fume (SF), class C fly ash (FA), blast furnace slag (BFS), SF+FA, SF+BFS, and FA+BFS on the thermal conductivity (TC) and compressive strength of concrete were investigated. Density decreased with the replacement of mineral admixtures at all levels of replacements. The maximum TC of 1.233W/mK was observed with the samples containing plain cement. It decreased with the increase of SF, FA, BFS, SF+FA, SF+BFS, and FA+BFS. The maximum reduction was, 23%, observed at 30% FA. Compressive strength decreased with 3-day curing period for all mineral admixtures and at all levels of replacements. However, with increasing of curing period reductions decreased and for 7.5% SF, 15% SF, 15% BFS, 7.5% SF+7.5% FA, 7.5% SF+7.5% BFS replacement levels compressive strength increased at 28days, 7- and 28-days, 120days, 28- and 120days, 28days curing periods, respectively. Maximum compressive strength was observed at 15% BFS replacement at curing period of 120days.