The first step in this investigation was to find reliable methods of evaluating the effect of specific products on the properties of concrete within a reasonable timeframe. A test procedure consisting of easy and reliable experimental methods is important, since a by-products reaction in the cement system can not be predicted by its chemical analysis. Materials can have the same chemical components but still react in different ways, and it is therefore imperative that materials with desirable properties can be separated from materials with undesirable ones. The second step was to investigate the influence of quartz filler on concrete properties. Quartz was chosen as filler since it can be considered an inert material.
Fillers interact with the cement in several ways.
They may be chemically inert but can still indirectly influence the chemical structure of the cement paste and concrete in a positive way. Fillers can also replace cement and be used to improve rheological properties, which in turn will influence the properties of the hardened concrete.