An overview of mechanical, permeability, and thermal properties of silica fume concrete using bibliographic survey and building information modelling

The present paper discussed the silica fume (SF) as the SCM to replace cement partially in concrete. The paper aims to summarize till date literature findings and suggest necessary gaps in utilizing SF as SCM. The study's necessity and framework are highlighted through bibliographic analysis using VOS viewer software and Scopus search engine data and found a lack of research in the field of SCM in the last 5 years. The production process of SF and its physical and chemical properties are studied location-wise. The range of these properties is analysed, and it found that SF mean particle size is 10 times finer than cement which enhances the mechanical and durability of concrete. The mechanical properties studied reported that the optimum percentage of silica fume generally ranges between 7.5 and 12%. However, it is not constant and found to be dependent on w/c. An adverse effect on the characteristics of concrete was observed on excess addition of SF over the optimum limit. The feasibility of SF with other SCM and fibers was found effective in improving the concrete properties. The different properties based on the action of water transport through the concrete are studied, such as permeation, diffusion, migration, convection, void formation, sorption, wick action, absorption, and adsorption. The permeability properties were optimum between 7.5 and 10% SF. Further, the thermal performance of the building with and without SF-added concrete was performed using Revit software (BIM). It was reported that SF concrete is effective by 2.25 % and 4.30 % for cooling and heating load, respectively. Very few papers were found on the utilization of silica fume for the development of different construction products. The review concludes with recommendations for future research, aiming to stimulate more studies in this field.