4.7. Mineral Admixtures (Supplementary Cementitious Materials - SCMs)

Try these first

1. 1.

   What are SCMs?

   Hint

   Think about materials added to cement.

2. 2.

   Give an example of a mineral admixture.

   Hint

   Which materials improve concrete?

3. 3.

   What is the main benefit of using fly ash in concrete?

   • Increases weight
   • Improves long-term strength
   • Slows down hydration

   Hint

   Consider the properties that make concrete last.

4. 4.

   True or False: Silica fume decreases the permeability of concrete.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Think about why we want dense concrete.

5. 5.

   You are tasked with designing a concrete mix for a large dam. Outline the advantages of using GGBFS and fly ash in your mix considering environmental impacts.

   Hint

   Think about the structure's size and the environmental responsibilities.

6. 6.

   Discuss a case where metakaolin would be preferable over other SCMs, considering both cost and performance factors.

   Hint

   Consider the timing requirements of the construction project.