Mechanical properties of nano-cement mortar: Compression and tension

Abstract

The present research examines the compressive and tension strength of nano cement mortar by using micro cement, micro sand, nano silica and nano clay in developing a nano-cement mortar which can lead to improvements in concrete construction. The results have shown an increase in both the compressive and tensile strength of mortar at early stages of hardening. For testing purpose, 50 mm cubes and 250×50×10 mm prisms were cast and tested for determining the compressive and tensile strength of nano-cement mortar. The parameters that were taken consideration during the investigation were micro sand, micro cement, nano silica, developed nano clay and naphthalene sulphonate as super- plasticizers. It has been concluded that the measured results demonstrate significant increase in the tensile strength of the developed mortar. Accordingly, an empirical equation is formulated for the tensile strength prediction.