Effects of Nanosilica Additions on Mechanical Performance of Concrete [ READ ]
Ms. Sanju Mary Sobichen, Mr. R.Vandhiyan, Dr. E.B. Perumal Pillai
The application of nanotechnology in building materials are gaining wide spread attention in construction field. One of the most referred and used nano materials is nano-silica with particle size in nano range. In this work, the mechanical properties such as Compressive, Flexural, and split tensile strengths together with Young’s modulus of different proportions of nano-silica added concrete were experimentally studied. The workability resulted to be significantly lower than expected due to the interaction between nano-silica and liquid phase of the cement paste. The resulting reduction of workability was avoided by suitable addition of super plasticizer. The strength of the specimens has increased by adding SiO2 nano particles in the mix. SiO2 nano particles can accelerate C-S-H gel formation due to the increased Ca(OH)2 at the early age of hydration and increase the strength of the specimens. Additionally, SiO2 nano particles can able to act as a nano-filler by decreasing the harmful pores. The obtained results showed that an efficient use of nano-silica in concrete can improve its mechanical properties and also an activator to promote pozzolanic reaction.
Ms. Sanju Mary Sobichen, Mr. R.Vandhiyan, Dr. E.B. Perumal Pillai
The application of nanotechnology in building materials are gaining wide spread attention in construction field. One of the most referred and used nano materials is nano-silica with particle size in nano range. In this work, the mechanical properties such as Compressive, Flexural, and split tensile strengths together with Young’s modulus of different proportions of nano-silica added concrete were experimentally studied. The workability resulted to be significantly lower than expected due to the interaction between nano-silica and liquid phase of the cement paste. The resulting reduction of workability was avoided by suitable addition of super plasticizer. The strength of the specimens has increased by adding SiO2 nano particles in the mix. SiO2 nano particles can accelerate C-S-H gel formation due to the increased Ca(OH)2 at the early age of hydration and increase the strength of the specimens. Additionally, SiO2 nano particles can able to act as a nano-filler by decreasing the harmful pores. The obtained results showed that an efficient use of nano-silica in concrete can improve its mechanical properties and also an activator to promote pozzolanic reaction.
