This thesis outlines the specific properties of fly ash, silica fume, slag, and a variety of natural pozzolans that affect strength... Show moreThis thesis outlines the specific properties of fly ash, silica fume, slag, and a variety of natural pozzolans that affect strength development in concrete mix designs. It presents a comprehensive summary of select research studies which examined the fresh and hardened properties of concrete made with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to better understand how these materials affect compressive strength development in concrete. The considerations necessary for precast fabrication and other applications in which early-age strength is a crucial concern are of particular importance, as SCMs often slow the rate of strength development in concrete. While SCM usage is common in concrete, replacement quantities are limited and heavily regulated, with the potential for further incorporation into concrete in higher replacement amounts, given continued research on how to best integrate SCMs to maximize strength properties, through the use of chemical admixtures, accelerators, and heat controlled curing regimes as needed. Show less
