The effect of Persian Gulf tidal zone exposure on durability of mixes containing silica fume and blast furnace slag

In this research the performance of cement paste and concrete mixes incorporating 7% and 10% of silica fume (SF) as a cement replacement was investigated in three exposure conditions. The results showed that plain type II portland cement performed better than blended SF cement under cyclic wetting and drying conditions. Silica fume specimens under cyclic wetting and drying conditions in simulated seawater exhibited higher strength loss compared to plain type II portland cement where cured under potable water. In addition, the greater the silica fume amount used in the mixes, the more the capillary water absorption under tidal zone exposure or/and under wetting and drying simulation. Further, the ternary blended ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) mix was the worst performing mix in all exposure conditions.