Abstract
The purpose of this work is to explore the effects of incorporation of nano-silica, in presence of silica fume and plasticizer, in cement mortar and concrete, in order to determine their appropriateness and advantages for concrete building. The research's goals were to optimize the amount of nanosilica used and to conduct tests on different fresh and hardened characteristics. To accomplish this goal, fresh characteristics of pastes (IST, FST, Consistency) and mortars (flow) as well as hardened characteristics of concrete (compressive strength) were investigated. SEM analysis was used to characterize the specimens morphologically. Based on the experimental investigation increase in consistency and decrease in IST, FST and flow was detected with increasing dosage of nanosilica. Intensification in compressive strength was higher at early age as compared to the strength at advanced age. Maximum compressive strength in concrete mixes was observed for specimen containing 3% nano-silica in presence of 10% silica fume and thereafter decrease in strength was observed but was still higher than that of the control specimen. The findings from SEM revealed that nano particles not only serve as filler but also as a promoter of the hydration process that improved the microstructure of concrete resulting in higher strength. The appropriate usage of nano-silica may thus enhance the performance of cemented materials.
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