Experimental Study on Nano Silica Concrete

Abstract

Abstract: Concrete is the most common material for construction. The total production depends upon the cement content only. Due to the usage, large amount of cement produces increasing the CO2emissions, to reduce the cement percentage in concrete mixes the nanosilica (nSiO2) is used as the replacement of the cement. The application of nanotechnology to concrete structures has added a new dimension to improving their properties. Due to their very small particle size, nanomaterials alter the microstructure and affect the properties of concrete. This study addresses the use of powdered nanosilica to improve the compressive strength of concrete. An experimental study was conducted by replacing cement with 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%. 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0% and 3.5% for class M20 concrete (1:1.5:3) with a water cement ratio of 0.5 and 0.5% polycarboxylate superplasticizer. The tests carried out show a considerable increase in the initial compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete on the 7th, 14th and 28th days of curing. Increases in strength are observed and continue to decrease as the percentage of nanosilica increases to the limit.