TSIRCON CO LTD

MANUFACTURERS & TRADERS

OF BUILDI NG MATERIALS

Ημ. έκδοσης 02/2011

TSIRCO-MICROSILICA

General: TSIRCO-MICROSILICA is an extremely reactive pozzolan, it will

combine with free lime in the concrete to form Calcium-Silicate Hydrates
(CSH) in the concrete. This leads to an increased formation of binding agents.
The pozzolanic reaction cannot begin before the reaction between the cement
and water has got well under way. A properly proportioned, poured and
finished Microsilica concrete will be stronger and denser than standard
concrete. The concrete will show increased properties of resistance against
Chlorides, Sulphates, Acids, Abrasion, frost attack and destructive alkali silica
reactions. Alternatively, Microsilica can be used to obtain a specified strength
with reduced cement content in the concrete.

Advantages:
8-10% TSIRCO-MICROSILICA addition to Concrete Mixes Results in the
following 7 benefits:
1) Increased Strength - Significant increase in compressive, flexural, tensile
and bond strengths.

2) Permeability - Reduced by a factor of 10 or more.

3) Chloride Ion Penetration - Equivalent of LMC.

4) Corrosion Inhibition - Electrical resistivity more than 500%.

5) Sulphate Resistance - Equivalent to SRC or better.

6) Chemical Resistance - Greatly increased.

7) Alkali Silica Reaction - Close to total suppression.

Page 1

Head office:
Strovolos Industrial Zone,
P.O. Box 23863, 1687 Nicosia, CYPRUS.
Tel: +357 22 - 487029 , Fax: +357 22 - 487716
htpp://www.tsircon.com
 TSIRCON CO LTD
MANUFACTURERS & TRADERS
OF BUILDI NG MATERIALS

8) Abrasion Resistance - Greatly increased.

9) Freeze – Thaw Durability - Greatly improved.

10) Fresh Concrete Properties - Improved for equivalent slump.

Properties:
TSIRCO-MICROSILICA conforms to ASTM C1240 requirements and
also fulfils the requirement of Table ZA.1 in EN13263-1:2005+A1:2009
for Silica Fume-Class 1.

Chemical and physical properties Undensified Densified

SiO2 88 % min. 88 % min.
Loss on Ignition 3% max. 3% max.
Moisture Content 1% max. 1% max.
Bulk Density 250-350kg/m³ 600-700kg/m³

Mix Proportions: Normally TSIRCO-MICROSILICA is dosed on a weight

basis. The dosing given in the following table refers to the dry weight of
Microsilica as a percentage of the cement content.

Area of use Microsilica content % by weight

Normal concrete 4-7
High strength concrete 7 - 15
Underwater concrete 12 - 15
Pumping aid 2-3

Because of the fineness of Microsilica the quantity of water necessary to obtain

a given workability of the concrete will increase. Water-reducing admixtures
should therefore be used, especially with higher Microsilica contents. TSIRCO-
FLO S3 and TSIRCO-FLO S4 are specially formulated for Microsilica concrete.

Page 2

Head office:
Strovolos Industrial Zone,
P.O. Box 23863, 1687 Nicosia, CYPRUS.
Tel: +357 22 - 487029 , Fax: +357 22 - 487716
htpp://www.tsircon.com
 TSIRCON CO LTD
MANUFACTURERS & TRADERS
OF BUILDI NG MATERIALS

If Microsilica is used to reduce the amount of cement in the concrete, a good

starting point for the proportioning will be: 1kg Microsilica should be able to
replace 3kg cement without there being a change in the 28 day strength. This
presupposes good curing conditions. Before regular production can be
implemented trial batches must always be made to determine the local
conditions.

Mixing Procedure: When using Microsilica it is important that it is added

early on in the mixing process. Dry mixing with the aggregare and cement is
preferable. Never add Microsilica to a ready-mixed wet concrete. In some
cases it may be necessary to increase the mixing time a little in relation to
standard concrete. This depends on the type of mixing plant used.

Fresh Concrete: Microsilica concrete will be more stable with the tendency to
sharply reduce the bleeding and segregation. The concrete will be more
cohesive in the mass. It is recommended that the concrete has a slightly higher
slump, 20-30mm, than is normally used. A stable and workable fluid concrete is
simpler to lay. With a lower slump and a higher Microsilica dosing the concrete
will require somewhat more finishing (vibrating) than standard concrete. This
can be overcome by using any of Tsircon’s High Water Reducing Admixtures.

Curing: All concrete must be protected against drying at an early age. This is
especially important for Microsilica concrete, where there is little or no water on
the surface of the fresh concrete. Excessive drying can lead to crack formation
as a result of plastic contraction. After the concrete has set, it is important to
give the possible result. Covering with plastic sheeting or applying a curing
compound at an early age, is highly recommended.

Page 3

Head office:
Strovolos Industrial Zone,
P.O. Box 23863, 1687 Nicosia, CYPRUS.
Tel: +357 22 - 487029 , Fax: +357 22 - 487716
htpp://www.tsircon.com