Title: Properties of Concrete Containing Diatomaceous Earth

Author(s): Arezki Tagnit-Hamou, Nikola Petrov, and Karen Luke

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume: 100

Issue: 1

Appears on pages(s): 73-78

Keywords: alkali-silica reaction; compressive strength; diatomaceous earth; durability; pozzolan; scaling.

DOI: 10.14359/51712250

Date: 1/1/2003

Abstract:
Substituting a percentage of portland cement with natural pozzolan can considerably improve concrete properties. Some properties of a plain portland cement concrete and concretes containing blended cement with ground fly ash, silica fume, and a blend of fly ash and silica fume were compared to properties of a concrete incorporating diatomaceous earth. It has been shown that the incorporation of a diatomaceous earth in concrete can substantially increase compressive strength and the resistance to alkali-silica reaction while significantly reducing and refining porosity and improving the resistance to chloride ion penetration (ASTM C 1202-97). The use of diatomaceous earth makes the development of an adequate air-void system difficult, however, which can negatively affect the resistance to freezing and thawing cycles and deicing salt scaling. Nonetheless, diatomaceous earth can be used as a partial replacement of portland cement to reduce both the cost of concrete and CO2 emissions released during portland cement production.