A study on durability characteristics of nano-concrete

Abstract

The life span of a structure depends on the strength and durability of concrete. The use of mineral admixtures in concrete plays a major role in achieving higher strength and durability characteristics. At present nanotechnology is being used in the concrete to decrease the permeability of concrete and also to extend the life service. Nanomaterials are extremely small in size which when used in concrete, improves the strength and reduces porosity. This study gives the characteristics of concrete when Nanosilica (NS) and Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (CNT) were added to it. Manufactured sand was used as a fine aggregate in replacement of natural river sand. For conventional and nano-concrete, the durability characteristics were assessed by conducting water absorption, sorptivity, accelerated corrosion, and carbonation tests after 28 days and 90 days of curing. The formation of hydration products was studied through microstructural analysis by SEM and XRD. Closely packed concrete was achieved with the addition of NS and CNT. The permeability and porosity were reduced for nano-concrete because of the filler effect of nanomaterials.