It is needless
to emphasize here that in modern constructions, durability of
concrete has become the important factor that governs the life
of the structure. The trend is that concrete mixes have to be
designed depending upon the performance requirement rather than
on strength requirement alone. Shri R. Jayaseelan, Chairman,
Central Water Commission in his inaugural address here today,
said that the use of blended cement using pozzolanas such as
flyash and silica fume and slag is gaining importance in the
construction industry for countering the durability problems.
The latest code on plain and reinforced concrete i.e. IS: 456
has incorporated these materials for taking care of the durability
aspects. He further said, eventhough, it started as an environmental
issue because of the release of the gases containing silica
fume dust into the atmosphere, the concrete industry was able
to get an effective concrete additive namely, Silica Fume.
Recently, the availability
of high range water reducing admixtures has opened up new possibilities
for the use of silica fume as part of cementitious material
in concrete to produce very high strengths or very high levels
of durable concrete or both. In recent times, use of Silica
Fume in Fibre Reinforced Shotcrete mix for tunnel linings in
Hydro-Electric Projects gained importance for reducing the rebound,
which is one of the important factors to be considered in shotcrete
spraying to achieve economy and strength. He further laid stress
on the urgent need to come out with a code on the specification
requirements of Silica Fume as per the requirement of Indian
conditions.
He urged upon different
organistaions, especially Central Soil and Materials Research
Station (CSMRS) to take up problems oriented research on Silica
Fume in order to provide solutions to the durability problems
being faced in hydraulic structures, in India.
Dr. A. K. Dhawan,
Director, CSMRS welcomed the participants both from India and
abroad and especially, Dr. Terrance Holland of US and Mr. Robert
Lewis of UK for coming all the way to take part in the deliberations.
The day-long Workshop would evolve for strategy to create awareness
about the potential benefits in concrete, the use of silica
fume in India. The Workshop jointly organised by the Indian
Society for Construction Materials and Structures, CSMRS and
CWC would provide a forum for useful interaction among designers,
consultants, manufacturers and users of silica fume in water
resources sector.
