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Abstract The utilization of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) in concrete attracted significant attention worldwide due to both environmental benefits and the potential for enhancing concrete's mechanical properties and durability. This study investigates the interaction effects of silica fume and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) on the behavior of normal and high-strength concrete in terms of steel corrosion resistance, carbonation depth, and compressive strength. Fifty-two concrete specimens were prepared in four groups with different combinations of water-to-cementitious materials ratio (w/cm), slag content, and silica fume content and were tested. A method was employed to compare the corrosion initiation times of different concrete specimens. The results demonstrated that silica fume improves the concrete's resistance to steel corrosion by enhancing the density, strength, and durability of the cement matrix. The specimen with a w/cm ratio of 0.3 containing 35% slag and 10% silica fume achieved a 33% reduction in carbonation depth and a compressive strength of 118 MPa, representing a 20% increase compared to the similar specimen without slag. Furthermore, the specimen with a w/cm ratio of 0.3 containing 35% slag and 15% silica fume exhibited a 44% increase in steel corrosion resistance compared to the similar specimen without silica fume. While optimizing the combined content of slag and silica fume, this study highlights that their individual effects are less significant than their combined effect when used as partial replacements for cement.
Mostofinejad et al. (Thu,) studied this question.