Experimental investigations on durability properties nano-silica based concrete

Abstract

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 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.The casts of concrete cubes with the sizes of 100mm×100 mm×100 mm and with individual grades of M40.M50, M60 were prepared and cured for 28 days. After this stipulated period of 28 days of water curing, samples of definite number were immersed in the chemical solutions of 5% sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, sodium sulphate separately and was exposed for a specific time of 28, 90 and180 days respectively. This paper is aimed to investigate the influence of Acid, Chloride, Alkali attack resistance on M40, M50, M60 grades of concrete and to compare their performance with conventional concrete in terms of weight loss and compressive strength. It is noticed that the weight loss and percentage loss in compressive strength in the situation of Nano silica concrete cubes with the grades M40. M50, M60 is less when compared to ordinary concrete. when submerged in 5% of H2So4, Na2So4, HCl for 28, 90 and180 days respectively. There was an increase of durability factor for a period of 28 days, 90 days,180 days for all grades of Nano silica concrete. The principal outcome of a present research stated that nano silica has enhanced strength and durability properties.