Investigating the mechanical characteristics of self-compacting light transmitting concrete due to the addition of silica fume

Authors

  • Arash Rajaee * Department of Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran. https://orcid.org/0009-0007-8609-9492
  • Amir Pasban Department of Civil Engineering, Khayyam University, Mashhad, Iran.
  • Nafiseh Talebi Department of Civil Engineering, Ferdowsi University, Mashhad, Iran.
  • Morteza Shekhi Department of Civil Engineering, Khayyam University, Mashhad, Iran.

https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v2i2.48

Abstract

This study investigates the mechanical properties of Self-Consolidating Light-Transmitting Concrete (SCLTC) incorporating 4% optical fibers and varying Silica Fume (SF) contents (5%, 10%, and 15%) after 28 days of curing. While conventional concrete benefits from SF due to its pozzolanic reactivity and microstructural refinement, this research reveals a contrasting trend in SCLTC. The control sample (0% SF) exhibited the highest compressive strength (58.3 MPa), whereas SF incorporation led to significant reductions of 67.8% at 5% SF (18.8 MPa), 39.6% at 10% SF (35.2 MPa), and a further decline at 15% SF (18.9 MPa). The optimal SF content was identified as 10%, balancing limited strength recovery against the detrimental effects of higher dosages, likely due to disrupted particle packing, increased water demand, and impaired fiber-matrix bonding. Light transmittance remained consistent (~5%) across all mixes, indicating SF’s negligible impact on optical performance. These findings highlight the need for more appropriate mix designs in SCLTC. Future research should explore lower SF dosages (<5%) and synergistic admixtures to enhance performance while preserving self-consolidation and translucency. This study advances the understanding of multifunctional concrete, bridging rheological efficiency with sustainable architectural applications.

Keywords:

Self-compacting Concrete (SCC), Light Transmitting Concrete (Litracon), Compressive Strength, Silica Fume, Optical Fiber

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Published

2025-05-14

Issue

Vol. 2 No. 2 (2025): Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Rajaee, A., Pasban, A., Talebi, N., & Shekhi, M. . (2025). Investigating the mechanical characteristics of self-compacting light transmitting concrete due to the addition of silica fume. Journal of Civil Aspects and Structural Engineering, 2(2), 126-134. https://doi.org/10.48314/jcase.v2i2.48

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