The fluid transport properties of HCWA–DSF hybrid supplementary binder mortar

It has been demonstrated in several past studies that high calcium wood ash (HCWA) can be effectively used in combination with densified silica fume (DSF) as supplementary binder material to enhance the mechanical performance of concrete. The experimental investigation was conducted to study the effect of the inclusion of HCWA and DSF on the durability properties of high strength cement mortar produced. A total of twelve different mix designs of mortar were fabricated with the use of HCWA at various cement replacement levels of 0–20% in combination with 7.5% densified silica fume (DSF) and subjected to various durability tests. The durability assessments performed include tests on water absorption, air permeability, porosity and degree of carbonation. A significantly lower degree of water absorption, porosity and carbonation was observed for cement mortars with HCWA contents of 2–8% used in combination with 7.5% DSF by weight of binder as compared to an equivalent pure cement mortar.