Durability Controlled Hydration Mechanisms of High-Volume FABA-Based Binders with Nano Silica and Silica Fume Modification

Setia Damayanti (Department of Master of Infrastructure and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pancasila, South Jakarta, 12630, Indonesia)
Armin Naibaho (Mining Technology Diploma Study Program, Science, Civil Engineering Departement, University, State Polytechnic of Malang, Malang, 65141, Indonesia)
Irfan Ihsani (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pancasila, South Jakarta, 12630, Indonesia)
Saloma (Civil Engineering Departement, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sriwijaya. Indralaya, Ogan Ilir, 30662, Indonesia)
Pio Ranap Tua Naibaho (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Tama Jagakarsa University, South Jakarta, 12530, Indonesia)
Jonbi (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pancasila, South Jakarta, 12630, Indonesia)
A.R Indra Tjahjani (Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pancasila, South Jakarta, 12630, Indonesia)

Science and Technology Indonesia
Vol. 11 No. 4 (2026): October

High-volume supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) offer significant potential for reducing clinker consumption and CO2 emissions, but maintaining hydration efficiency and long-term durability remains a major challenge. This study investigated the hydration behavior, microstructural evolution, and transport-related durability of high-volume fly ash–bottom ash (FABA) binders incorporating mechanically activated bottom ash, nano-silica, and silica fume. The binder systems were evaluated using mechanical, transport, and integrated microstructural characterization. The 60% FABA (M1) binder exhibited the optimum performance, achieving a compressive strength of 44.5 MPa at 56 days together with the lowest sorptivity and water absorption. Integrated SEM, XRD, TGA/DTG, and BET/BJH analyses confirmed enhanced secondary hydration, progressive matrix densification, and mesopore refinement, with the highest specific surface area (11.9 m2/g) and the smallest average pore diameter (12.6 nm). These findings demonstrate that the durability of high-volume FABA binders is governed primarily by hydration-induced pore refinement and reduced pore connectivity, providing a scientific basis for the design of durable low-carbon cementitious binders with high clinker replacement.