Local information about high
performance concrete (HPC) mechanical properties is scarce especially in
relation to the adequate behaviour on structures built in areas of medium and
high seismic risk. The need of carrying out specific tentative studies to
elaborate and utilise HPC in the Argentina West Central area has arisen.
Research on the characterisation of natural pozzolan of volcanic origin and
diatomaceous earth extracted from local quarries, with the purpose of being
employed, as active mineral additives, is shown in this work. Preliminary
geologic surveys, specimen collection and tests for physical chemical
characterisation were carried out, also. The most interesting samples were
selected to investigate the effect of fineness and granulometry on the
pozzolanic activity. In addition, some concrete samples were made to evaluate
traction and compression mechanical properties and their evolution in time.