Influence of Nano Silica on durability and Strength of Self Compacting

Now-a-days Nano particles are gaining increasing attention in many fields to fabricate new materials with novel functions due to their unique physical and chemical properties. For this study, self-compacting concrete is developed using modified Nano-Si method of mix design, Slump flow, J-Ring, V-funnel tests are conducted to justify the fresh properties of SCC and are checked against EFNARC (2005) specifications. Specimens of dimensions 150x150x150 mm were cast without Nano silica and with two different grades of Nano silica, which is in colloidal state with 16% and 30% Nano content are added in different percentages (1%, 1.5% and 2% by weight of cement) to SCC. To justify the compressive strength during the period from 7 to 28days, the specimens are tested under axial compression. Durability properties were also studied by immersing the specimen�s in 5% of HCl and 5% of H2SO4. Sorptivity test has also been conducted. Test results indicate that use of Nano Silica in concrete has improved the performance of concrete strength as well as durability aspect.