Development of High Performance Ternary Concrete Containing Pumice and Silica Fumes for Construction of Marine Structures in the Persian Gulf Environment

In this study the possibility of improving the properties of binary concrete containing pumice is investigated, by combined use with silica fumes and development of high performance mixes suitable for the harsh environment of the Persian Gulf. Ternary mixes based on the combined use of 15% and 30% pumice and 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% silica were considered. Concrete mixes were evaluated using compressive strength tests, electrical resistance tests, the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT) and the rapid chloride migration test (RCMT) at various ages up to 180 days.The results show that simultaneous use of silica fumes and pumice overcomes the deficiency of the slow rate of strength gain that binary mixes containing pumice usually exhibit. In addition, the use of ternary mixes results in considerable improvement in durability at all ages when compared with the control and binary mixes. By using appropriate combinations of pumice and silica fumes it is possible to achieve good strength and durability characteristics at 28 days, along with excellent long term durability.