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Properties of pozzolanic materials

Short answer

Pozzolanic materials are rich in reactive silica and alumina, very fine, and harden only with lime and water, forming insoluble compounds that give strength, impermeability, sulphate resistance and high long-term strength.

Enumerate the properties of pozzolanic material.

Properties of pozzolanic materials:

  1. Rich in reactive silica and alumina (over 70% SiO₂ + Al₂O₃ + Fe₂O₃).
  2. Very fine in grain size, often finer than cement; fineness gives more reaction surface.
  3. Do not harden by themselves, but react with lime in the presence of water at normal temperature.
  4. Form insoluble cementing compounds that give strength and impermeability.
  5. Impart hydraulic character to lime and reduce the heat of hydration.
  6. Give good resistance to sulphates, chemical attack and alkali–aggregate reaction.
  7. Have a slow strength gain, but higher long-term strength.
  8. Low specific gravity and low cost.

✓ Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort)

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