Flowable nano SiO2 based cementitious mortar for ferrocement jacketed column

Abstract

Abstract Retrofitting of structures has become an inevitable in the construction activity. It is necessary to improve the load carrying capacity of the damaged structural members and it could be achieved by strengthening externally, through a jacketing technique. Ferrocement Jacketing is preferred as one of the acceptable and viable way for strengthening of structural members. A laboratory experimental investigation was carried out to develop a rich and flowable nano silica based cementitious matrices which could be employed for repair and retrofit the structures. An investigation on nano based cement composite was conducted to obtain the strength and durability properties. Results indicated that the flowable nano silica cementitious mortar showed a significant increase in compressive strength in the range of 7.5–50% than that of the control cement mortar. The splitting tensile strength of cementitious matrices increased from 2.28 to 3.98 MPa. Nano silica with 3% showed a lowest rate of water absorption as compared to all other mortar specimens. From the obtained results, it is revealed that 3% of nano silica could be used as a flowable nano SiO2 based mortar, as it showed a better performance both in strength and durability aspects. Ferrocement jacketed columns has a higher load carrying capacity of about 40% with a higher axial displacement of 95% as compared to the control column. A ductile mode of failure was observed in all the ferrocement jacketed columns.