Effect of using nano silica on mechanical properties of normal strength concrete

Abstract

Using nanomaterials in the concrete enhances the strength and durability due to which it finds its applicability in the construction industry. Addition of nanomaterials reduce the cement content as cement increases the emission of carbon dioxide which causes greenhouse effect. In the present work, cement is replaced with various dosages of Nanosilica to understand its influence on the mechanical response of the concrete. With increasing amount of research being diverted to nanotechnology has gained major attention with its potential uses of particles. Nano silica is a fine convergent material. The hydration of cement is characterized by different substages and nanosilica effect on the hydration could be a result of diverse, even contradictory, behaviour of nanosilica in individual stages of the hydration. The research nowadays is mainly focusing on the basic science of cementitious material at nano/atomic level. Further, researchers are continuing to improve the durability and sustainability of concrete and have realized significant increment in mechanical properties of cementitious materials by incorporating nano-silica. The present study aims to investigate the acid resistance of M40, M50, M60 grades of concrete and the influence of nano silica in it. The replacement of cement by nano silica should considerably reduce the CO2 foot print of concrete.Experimental studies are conducted by varying the dosage of Nanosilica as replacement of cement for high strength concrete mixes. From the experimental studies, it can be observed that 3% was the optimum dosage of replacement of Nanosilica. Beyond 3%, the results corresponding to the mechanical properties are not promising. The experimental results are studied, discussed and presented.