Designation: C1240 – 10a

Standard Specification for

Silica Fume Used in Cementitious Mixtures1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1240; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope* C135 Test Method for True Specific Gravity of Refractory

1.1 This specification covers silica fume for use in concrete Materials by Water Immersion
and other systems containing hydraulic cement. C183 Practice for Sampling and the Amount of Testing of
1.2 In the cases of slurried or densified silica fume, perform Hydraulic Cement
the tests on the raw silica fume from which these products have C185 Test Method for Air Content of Hydraulic Cement
been made. Mortar
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the C219 Terminology Relating to Hydraulic Cement
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information C311 Test Methods for Sampling and Testing Fly Ash or
only. Natural Pozzolans for Use in Portland-Cement Concrete
1.4 The following safety hazards caveat pertains only to the C430 Test Method for Fineness of Hydraulic Cement by the
test methods portions, Sections 10-19, of this specification: 45-µm (No. 325) Sieve
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety C441 Test Method for Effectiveness of Pozzolans or
concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility Ground Blast-Furnace Slag in Preventing Excessive Ex-
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and pansion of Concrete Due to the Alkali-Silica Reaction
health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory C494/C494M Specification for Chemical Admixtures for
limitations prior to use. Read the material safety data sheets for Concrete
materials used. C604 Test Method for True Specific Gravity of Refractory
1.5 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes Materials by Gas-Comparison Pycnometer
that provide explanatory information. These notes and foot- C670 Practice for Preparing Precision and Bias Statements
notes (excluding those in tables) shall not be considered as for Test Methods for Construction Materials
requirements of this standard. C1005 Specification for Reference Masses and Devices for
Determining Mass and Volume for Use in the Physical
2. Referenced Documents Testing of Hydraulic Cements
2.1 ASTM Standards:2 C1012 Test Method for Length Change of Hydraulic-
C109/C109M Test Method for Compressive Strength of Cement Mortars Exposed to a Sulfate Solution
Hydraulic Cement Mortars (Using 2-in. or [50-mm] Cube C1069 Test Method for Specific Surface Area of Alumina or
Specimens) Quartz by Nitrogen Adsorption
C114 Test Methods for Chemical Analysis of Hydraulic C1157 Performance Specification for Hydraulic Cement
Cement C1437 Test Method for Flow of Hydraulic Cement Mortar
C125 Terminology Relating to Concrete and Concrete Ag-
3. Terminology
gregates
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 silica fume—very fine pozzolanic material, composed
1
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C09 on mostly of amorphous silica produced by electric arc furnaces as
Concrete and Concrete Aggregates and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee a by-product of the production of elemental silicon or ferro-
C09.24 on Supplementary Cementitious Materials.
Current edition approved Dec. 15, 2010. Published January 2011. Originally silicon alloys (also known as condensed silica fume and
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2010 as C1240-10. DOI: microsilica).
10.1520/C1240-10a.
2
3.1.2 silica fume, densified—silica fume processed to in-
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM
crease bulk density to facilitate handling and shipping.
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on 3.1.3 silica fume, undensified —silica fume in its raw, as
the ASTM website. produced or as collected, unprocessed form.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 C1240 – 10a
3.1.4 Other terms in this specification are defined in Termi- TABLE 2 Physical Requirements
nologies C125 and C219. Oversize:
Percent retained on 45-µm (No. 325), max, %A 10
Percent retained on 45-µm (No. 325), max variation from 5
4. Ordering Information average, percentage pointsB
4.1 The purchaser shall specify any optional chemical or Accelerated pozzolanic strength activity index:C
With portland cement at 7 days, min percent of control 105
physical requirements. Specific surface, min, m2/g 15
A
Exercise care to avoid retaining agglomerations of extremely fine material.
5. Chemical Composition B
The average shall consist of the ten preceding tests or all of the preceding
5.1 Silica fume shall conform to the requirements for tests if the number is less than ten.
C
Accelerated pozzolanic strength activity index is not to be considered a
chemical composition prescribed in Table 1. measure of the compressive strength of concrete containing the silica fume. This
is a measure of the reactivity of a given silica fume with a given cement and may
6. Physical Requirements vary with the source of both the silica fume and the cement.

6.1 Silica fume shall conform to the physical requirements

TABLE 3 Optional Physical RequirementsA
prescribed in Table 2. Optional physical requirements are given
Uniformity requirements:
in Table 3. When air-entraining concrete is specified, the quantity of air- 20
entraining agent required to produce air content of 18.0 vol %
7. Sampling of mortar shall not vary from the average established by the ten
preceding tests or by all preceding tests if less than ten, by
7.1 When the purchaser desires that the silica fume be more than, %
sampled and tested to verify compliance with this specification, Reactivity with cement alkalies:B
Reduction of mortar expansion at 14 days, min, % 80
perform the sampling and testing in accordance with Practice Sulfate resistance expansion,C
C183, modified as described in 7.3. (moderate resistance) 6 months, max, % 0.10
(high resistance) 6 months, max, % 0.05
NOTE 1—Exercise caution in the interpretation of Practice C183, since (very high resistance) 1 year, max, % 0.05
there is a difference between the continuous manufacture of hydraulic A
Will be made only at the request of the purchaser.
cement and the generation and collection of silica fume. To a great extent, B
The indicated tests for reactivity with cement alkalies shall not be requested
storage is dictated by the design of the silica-fume collection system. The unless the material is to be used with an aggregate that is regarded as
design of silica-fume collection systems may not have provided for deleteriously reactive with alkalies in hydraulic cement. The test for reduction of
sampling points and practices. mortar expansion may be made using any high-alkali cement in accordance with
Test Methods C311, if the cement to be used in the work is not known or is not
7.2 Practice C183, as modified, is not designed for manu- available at the time of the test. The test for mortar expansion should be performed
facturing quality control and is not required for manufacturer’s by each of the high-alkali cements to be used in the work.
C
Only one limit shall be specified.
certification.
7.3 The following modification of Practice C183 is neces-
sary to render it applicable to silica fume. 7.3.4.2 From Bulk Storage at Points of Discharge—
7.3.1 Replace the words “hydraulic cement” and “cement” Withdraw silica fume from the discharge openings in a steady
with the words “silica fume” every time that they appear in the stream until sampling is completed. In sampling bulk storage at
text. points of discharge, while the silica fume is flowing through the
7.3.2 All samples, whether grab or composite, shall have a openings, take samples at such intervals so that, at a minimum,
mass of at least 1 kg (2 lb). the sampling requirements of 7.3.4.1 are met.
7.3.3 When compliance verification tests of silica fume are 7.3.5 The section entitled “Amount of Testing” is modified
required to be made at a laboratory other than that of the by deleting the first paragraph, “General.”
silica-fume manufacturer or marketer, coordinate the silica-
fume sampling schedule, sample transportation time, and 8. Frequency of Tests
sample testing schedule among the purchaser, manufacturer, 8.1 Except for the tests listed in 8.2, make all chemical
and testing laboratory so that the test results will be available determinations and physical tests on composite samples repre-
when the decision to accept or reject the silica fume must be senting no more than 400 Mg (440 tons) each. Prepare each
made. composite sample by combining portions from the samples
7.3.4 The section entitled “Sampling” is modified as fol- representing each 100 Mg (110 tons), so that each 100 Mg is
lows: represented equally.
7.3.4.1 Take two grab samples or two composite samples 8.2 Test for specific surface, density, and accelerated poz-
for the first 100 Mg (110 tons) of silica fume. Take a grab zolanic strength activity index using composite samples that
sample or a composite sample for each subsequent 100 Mg represent 3200 Mg (3520 tons) or 3 months of production,
(110 tons) of silica fume, but not less than two samples shall be whichever gives the highest frequency. Prepare each composite
taken in any sampling program. sample by combining portions from the samples representing
each 400 Mg (440 tons) or 1 month, whichever gives the
highest frequency, so that each sample is represented equally.
TABLE 1 Chemical Requirements
SiO2, min, % 85.0 9. Preparation of Sample
Moisture content, max, % 3.0
Loss on ignition, max, % 6.0 9.1 Prepare composite samples for tests, as required in
Section 8, by arranging all test samples in groups, with each

2
 C1240 – 10a
group representing the number of megagrams required by the 12.4.2 Determine the mass (Wf), of a 500-mL volumetric
test or tests for which the composite sample is intended. From flask, to an accuracy of 0.01 g. Add 30 g of silica fume.
each of the samples in a group, take equal portions, sufficient Determine the mass of the flask and the contents (Wa) to the
in amount to form a composite sample large enough to permit nearest 0.01 g. Add water to the flask to fill it one-half full, and
making the required physical or chemical determinations. shake it to ensure thorough wetting of the material. Fill to the
9.2 Prior to testing, mix grab samples and composite mark with water. Remove air bubbles by shaking the flask at
samples thoroughly. A clean and dry laboratory concrete drum 15-min intervals until the liquid is free of air or by applying a
mixer provides adequate mixing for this purpose. Take care to vacuum to the flask. After all of the air bubbles are removed,
limit the volume of silica fume in the drum mixer to the range place the flask in a constant temperature bath at 23 6 0.5 °C
of 10 to 50 % of the drum’s total capacity. If necessary, secure until the flask and its contents reach a constant temperature.
a sheet of polyethylene film on the drum with an elastic Remove the flask from the water bath; immediately add or
tiedown to keep the material in the drum. Limit the mixing remove water, at the same temperature, to the flask to get the
action to 5 6 1 min. meniscus on the mark. Wipe dry the exterior of the flask and
9.2.1 When a small sample size precludes the use of a determine the mass of the flask and its contents (Ws).
concrete mixer, use a heavy plastic bag, of a capacity at least 12.4.3 Empty, clean, and determine the mass of the 500-mL
five times larger than the sample volume, to mix the sample volumetric flask, used above, filled to the mark with water (Wt)
thoroughly. After placing the sample in the bag, close the bag stabilized at 23 6 0.5 °C.
by tying the bag opening tightly, and mix the material by 12.5 Calculation:
rolling the bag around for 5 6 1 min. ~ Wa 2 W f !
9.3 Take material for specific tests from a thoroughly mixed Dsf 5 (1)
500 mL 2 [~Ws 2 Wa!/Dw#
sample by using a sampling device (sampling tube, scoop, etc.)
of appropriate size to make a test specimen. Make this test where:
specimen from at least six random subsamples. Dsf = density of silica fume, Mg/m3,
Wf = mass of 500-mL volumetric flask, g,
TEST METHODS—CHEMICAL ANALYSIS Wa = mass of 500-mL volumetric flask plus approximately
30 g of silica fume, g,
10. Silicon Dioxide and Total Alkalies Ws = mass of 500-mL volumetric flask plus silica fume
10.1 Reference Method—Use the reference method in Test plus water to the mark, g,
Methods C114 for cements with insoluble residue greater than Wt = mass of 500-mL volumetric flask plus water to the
1 %. Analysts performing sodium oxide and potassium oxide mark, g, and
determinations shall observe the precautions outlined in the Dw = (Wt − Wf)/500-mL, Mg/m3.
applicable section of Performance Specification C1157 (refer 12.6 Report the average of two density determinations.
to the section on Test Methods). Most pozzolans dissolve
13. Oversize, Amount Retained When Wet-Sieved on a
completely in lithium borate fluxes.
45-µm (No. 325) Sieve
11. Moisture Content and Loss on Ignition 13.1 Use Test Method C430. Calibrate the sieves in accor-
11.1 Follow the applicable provisions of Test Methods dance with Test Method C430.
C311. NOTE 2—Oversize is used to determine the amount of contaminating
material retained on the 45-µm sieve. See Appendix X2.
TEST METHODS—PHYSICAL TESTS
14. Specific Surface
12. Density 14.1 Determine the specific surface by the BET, nitrogen
12.1 Test Method C135 has been adapted for determining adsorbtion method, in accordance with Test Method C1069.3
the density of silica fume. Test Method C604, which utilizes a
helium pycnometer is quick, precise, and is an alternative 15. Air Entrainment of Mortar
method that is acceptable for density determinatinos. 15.1 Follow the applicable provisions of Test Methods
12.1.1 Test Method C135 adapted as follows: C311, except use the following test mixture and equation for
12.2 Equipment: W c:
12.2.1 Two 500-mL Volumetric Flasks, Class A. Test Mixture
12.2.2 Balance, with an accuracy of at least 0.01 g. Portland cement, g 300
Silica fume, g 30
12.2.3 Constant Temperature Bath, capable of being regu- 20–30 Standard Ottawa sand, g 1170
lated within 60.5 °C (1.0 °F). Water, mL, sufficient to give a flow of 80 to 95 % Y
12.3 Deionized Water.
12.4 Procedure:
12.4.1 Determine the density of the material as received, 3
Manufacturers and examples of nitrogen adsorbtion instrumentation include
unless otherwise specified, as follows. If density determination Horiba Instruments, Inc., Irvine, CA, 5A-9600; Micromeritics Instrument Corpora-
tion, Norcross Georgia, FlowSorb-II 2300; Quantachrome Corporation, Boynton
on an ignited sample is required, first ignite the sample as
Beach, FL, Quantasorb Jr.; and JUWE Laborgerate Service GmbH, Korschenbroich,
described in the test for loss on ignition in the applicable Germany, Stroehlein AREAmeter II. NIST SRMt 2696, Silica Fume, is available
section given in Test Methods C114. for use in comparison and evaluation of laboratory equipment and procedures.

3
 C1240 – 10a
Neutralized Vinsol resin solution, mL, sufficient to produce an Z 16.1.5 Determine the compressive strength, as specified in
air content of 18 6 3 % Test Method C109/C109M, of the three specimens of the
300 1 1170 1 30 1 ~300 3 P 3 0.01! control mixture and the three specimens of the test mixture at
Wc 5
300/3.15 1 1170/2.65 1 ~30/D! 1 [~300 3 P 3 0.01!/1] 7 days after molding.
(2)
17. Reactivity with Cement Alkalies
Then calculate:
17.1 Determine the reduction of mortar expansion in accor-
Air content, volume % 5 100[1 2 ~Wa/Wc!#Wa 5 W/400 (3)
dance with Test Method C441, except that the amount of silica
where: fume in the test mixture shall be 10 % by mass of cementitious
Wa = actual mass per unit of volume of mortar as deter- material.
mined by Test Method C185, g/mL,
W = mass of the specified 400 mL of mortar (see Test 18. Sulfate Resistance
Method C185), g, 18.1 Determine sulfate resistance according to Test Method
Wc = theoretical mass per unit volume, calculated on an C1012, except that the amount of silica fume used in the test
air-free basis and using the values for density and mixture is 10 % by mass of cementitious material.
quantities of the materials in the mixture, g/mL,
P = percent of mixing water plus Vinsol resin solution 19. Bulk Density
based on mass of cement, and 19.1 The bulk density of silica fume is defined as the mass
D = density of silica fume used in the mixture, Mg/m3. of a unit volume of loose silica fume.
15.2 Determine the flow in accordance with the applicable 19.2 This test method covers determination of the bulk
provisions of Test Method C109/C109M. density of silica fume, as silica fume is transferred from one
container to another with controlled minimum compaction. Its
16. Accelerated Pozzolanic Strength Activity Index with particular usefulness is in connection with identifying material
Portland Cement form (as produced or densified), silo or truck storage capacity,
16.1 Use the applicable section on strength activity index material handling and transportation characteristics.
with portland cement of Test Methods C311, except change to 19.3 Equipment:
reflect testing at constant flow range (100 to 115 %) and 19.3.1 Balance, meeting Specification C1005, with a sensi-
constant water to cementitious materials ratio. Mixtures not tivity of 0.1 g.
meeting flow range shall be discarded with new mixtures made 19.3.2 Vibrating Table4, Table top, electromagnetic vibrat-
following procedures below. High range water reducer is added ing table, with a controlled low-amplitude that does not exceed
directly to water in the bowl, then add cement and other 1 mm linear vibration. Approximate deck size is 175 3 250
ingredients and start mixing. Prepare test specimens from the mm with a 5 kg capacity. The amplitude of the vibration shall
batch proportions below, molding three cubes from both the be capable of being regulated to suit the characteristics of the
control mix and the test mix. material being handled.
16.1.1 Control Mixture: 19.3.3 Stainless Steel Beaker, of known volume, not less
than 1 L calibrated to the nearest 61 mL. Without a spout.
16.1.1.1 500 g of portland cement,
19.4 Procedure:
16.1.1.2 1375 g of graded standard sand, and 19.4.1 Determine the mass of the clean dry beaker to the
16.1.1.3 242 mL of water for a flow of 100 to 115 %. nearest 1 g.
16.1.1.4 If flow is not within the required range add X g of 19.4.2 Fill the beaker with silica fume and compact by use
dry high range water reducing admixture, meeting Specifica- of the vibrating table at a mid-range setting for 15 s, adding
tion C494/C494M Type F. material as needed.
16.1.2 Test Mixture: 19.4.3 Screed or strike off the measure, with a straight edge
16.1.2.1 450 g of portland cement, or spatula, to produce a flat, even surface, that is level with rim
16.1.2.2 50 g of silica fume, or edge of the beaker. Wipe off any excess silica fume that may
16.1.2.3 1375 g of graded standard sand, and adhere to the sides.
16.1.2.4 242 mL of water. 19.4.4 Place the filled measure on the balance and determine
the mass of the silica fume to the nearest 1 g.
16.1.2.5 X grams of dry high-range water reducer, meeting
19.5 Calculation:
Specification C494/C494M Type F, required to produce a flow
19.5.1 Divide the net mass of the silica fume in grams by the
of 100 to 115 %. Add the high-range water reducer directly to
volume of the container in milliliters. Multiply by 1000 to
the mixing water in the mixing bowl. Then add the cement or
express the density in kilograms per cubic meter. To convert
the cement-silica fume mixture and start the mixing cycle.
16.1.3 Determine the flow in accordance with the applicable
provisions of Test Method C1437. 4
The sole source of supply of the vibrating table known to the committee at this
16.1.4 Storage of Specimens—After 24 h of initial curing in time is the Syntron Paper Jogger, Model J-1, manufactured by F.M.C. Corp., 57
Cooper Ave., Homer City, PA 15748. If you are aware of alternative suppliers, please
the moist room (23 6 2 °C and relative humidity of not less provide this information to ASTM International Headquarters. Your comments will
than 95 %), place the cubes in airtight glass containers and receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical committee,1
store at 65 6 2°C for six days. which you may attend.

4
 C1240 – 10a
the value in kilograms per cubic meter to pounds per cubic samples of silica fume. The bulk density of the various samples
foot, divide by 16.01846. ranged from about 200 kg/m3 to about 800 kg/m3. Ten
laboratories participated in the study.
20. Report 21.1.3.2 Single-Operator Precision—The single-operator
20.1 Report the following information: standard deviation for the bulk density has been found to be 4.6
20.1.1 SiO2 content, %, kg/m3.5 Therefore, results of two properly conducted tests by
20.1.2 Moisture content, %, the same operator on the same sample of silica fume should not
20.1.3 Loss on ignition, %, differ by more than 13 kg/m3.5
20.1.4 Oversize, % retained, 21.1.3.3 Multilaboratory Precision—The multilaboratory
20.1.5 Bulk density, kg/m3, standard deviation among single test results has been found to
20.1.6 Density, Mg/m3, be 14.8 kg/m3.5 The results of two properly conducted tests in
20.1.7 Name of manufacturer and brand, if applicable, different laboratories on the same sample of silica fume are not
20.1.8 Accelerated Pozzolanic Strength Activity Index, expected to differ by more than 42 kg/m3.5
20.1.9 Specific surface, m2/g, and 21.1.3.4 Bias—Because there is no accepted reference ma-
20.1.10 Total alkalies, as equivalent Na2O, %. terial suitable for determining any bias that might be associated
20.2 Report the following information when specifically with this test method, no statement on bias is being made.
requested by the purchaser: 21.2 Bias—Since there is no accepted reference material
20.2.1 The quantity of air-entraining agent compared to the suitable for determining the bias for the procedures for
10 preceding tests, %, measuring the accelerated pozzolanic strength activity index
20.2.2 Reduction of mortar expansion, %, and and the density, no statement on bias is being made.
20.2.3 Sulfate resistance expansion, %.
22. Rejection and Retesting
21. Precision and Bias 22.1 The purchaser has the right to reject material that fails
21.1 Precision: to conform to the requirements of this specification. Rejection
21.1.1 Accelerated Pozzolanic Strength Activity Index Test: shall be reported to the producer or supplier promptly and in
21.1.1.1 Single-Operator Precision—The precision of this writing. In case of dissatisfaction with the results of the tests,
test will be evaluated using Practice C670. the producer or supplier is not prohibited from making a claim
21.1.1.2 Multilaboratory Precision—The precision of this for retesting.
test will be evaluated using Practice C670.
21.1.2 Density Test: 23. Certification
21.1.2.1 Single-Operator Precision—The single-operator 23.1 When specified in the purchase order or contract, the
standard deviation among single test results (a test result is purchaser shall be furnished certification that samples have
defined in this specification as the average of two separate been tested as directed in this specification and the specified
measurements) has been found to be 0.035 Mg/m3.5 Therefore, requirements have been met. When specified in the purchase
results of two properly conducted tests by the same operator order or contract, a report of the test results shall be furnished.
should not differ by more than 0.099 Mg/m3 5 on the same
silica fume. 24. Packaging and Package Marking
21.1.2.2 Multilaboratory Precision—The multilaboratory 24.1 When silica fume is delivered in packages, the name,
standard deviation among single test results (a test result is and brand, if applicable, of the manufacturer or distributor and
defined in this specification as the average of two separate the mass of the silica fume contained therein shall be marked
measurements) has been found to be 0.047 Mg/m3.5 Therefore, plainly on each package. Similar information shall be provided
results of two properly conducted tests in different laboratories in the shipping invoices accompanying the shipment of pack-
on the same silica fume should not differ by more than 0.132 aged or bulk silica fume in dry or slurried forms. All packages
Mg/m3 of their average.5 shall be in good condition at the time of inspection.
21.1.3 Bulk Density:
21.1.3.1 Precision—The precision of this test method is 25. Storage and Inspection
valid for both undensified and densified silica fume. Determi- 25.1 Silica fume shall be stored in such a manner as to
nation was made from an interlaboratory study using eight permit easy access for the proper inspection and identification
of each shipment. Facilities for inspection and sampling shall
5
These measurements represent, respectively, the (1s) and (d2s) limits in be provided at the point from which the material is to be
accordance with Practice C670. shipped.

5
 C1240 – 10a
APPENDIXES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. SILICA CONTENT

X1.1 Since the quantity of amorphous silica is one of the instrumental methods of analysis of silica fume used in
primary characteristics that determine the pozzolanic activity conjunction with product specifications. Because silica (SiO2)
of silica fume, determination of the total silicon content is is required in this specification to be at least 85 % by mass of
important. Gravimetric [“wet method”] determinations can be the silica fume, additional silica reference materials, such as
accomplished using sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) fusion as SRMt 1413 high alumina sand [82.77 %] and silica flour
described in Test Methods C114 and similar procedures. [99.9 %], may be suitable for use with instrumental methods of
Instrumental methods successfully used for determination of analysis. Analysts should note that the gravimetric method
total silicon in high silica materials include X-ray fluorescence determines all chemical forms of silicon in the material as
spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma, optical emission silica (SiO2), whereas the instrumental test methods determine
spectrometry, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Silica all chemical forms of silicon in the material as total silicon (Si),
Fume SRMt 2696 is available from the National Institute of which is reported as SiO2. Typically, it is assumed that all or
Standards and Technology, for use in evaluating chemical and nearly all of the Si that is present in silica fume is SiO2.

X2. OVERSIZE

X2.1 The 45-µm (No. 325) sieve specification is to be used Extremely fine materials tend to form agglomerations; good
to determine the amount of foreign material present. Since judgment must be exercised to differentiate between easily
silica fume is much finer than cement or fly ash, the particles dispersible agglomerates and foreign materials.
will all pass through the sieve except for foreign material.

X3. PROBLEM OF MIXTURE PROPORTIONING FOR VARIOUS TEST MIXTURES

X3.1 Such test methods as accelerated pozzolanic strength becomes unworkable, and either more water is necessary or a
activity index with portland cement, reactivity with cement water reducer is necessary to have a workable mixture. By
alkalies, and sulfate resistance require mixtures where the limiting the mixtures to 10 % by mass replacement, the
silica fume being tested replaces a given amount of cement. addition of water to a certain flow is a viable alternative, even
For specification purposes, 10 % by mass replacement of though the addition of water reducer would probably produce
cement by silica fume will be used rather than that which is a higher strength. Since this is a specification, the interest is in
stated in the present methods. Water-to-cementitious materials comparing material under similar conditions, rather than in
ratio will be replaced by a flow of between 100 and 115 %. As maximum strength.
the percent replacement with silica fume increases, the mixture

X4. SULFATE RESISTANCE

X4.1 Satisfactory reductions of expansion in laboratory with high-C3A portland cement to establish appropriate re-
mixtures have been obtained with silica fume replacement placement levels for adequate sulfate resistance.
levels of 5 to 15 %. Each source of silica fume must be tested

6
 C1240 – 10a
SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C1240–10, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved December 15, 2010)

(1) Added silica fume, densified and silica fume, undensified (2) Revised Section 16.
to the Terminology Section. (3) Revised the Precision and Bias Section.

Committee C09 has identified the location of selected changes to this specification since the last issue,
C1240–05, that may impact the use of this specification. (Approved October 15, 2010)

(1) Added new 12.1 and renumbered subsequent paragraphs.

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