Application of mortar with silica fume addition as a reinforcement material for compressed concrete elements

Abstract

This paper presents the preliminary results of a study of concrete columns strengthened with silica fume mortar submitted to normal compression. Six columns of concrete were cast, being three strengthened with silica fume mortar and the others three as reference specimens. After to the rupture of the columns were analyzed the theoretical and experimental results of the rupture loads, behavior of the nucleus+reinforcement system and the reduction of compressive strength observed in the preliminary tests of the mortar. Results showed the efficiency of the reinforcement technical regarding the increase of the load capacity, of the order of 72%, adequate adherence between substratum and the reinforcement mortar and confirmation of the reduction of compressive strength of the mortar in the proposed levels.