AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF NANO LIMESTONE AND FIBERS IN CONCRETE

The current trends in recent research and developments aims in developing an appropriate alternative for building materials, intrusion of nano technology in the concrete matrix have been quite effective compared to other techniques. This experimental investigation paves a way to develop a way to introduce latest technology in conventional materials and develop an effective utilization of nano particles in cement concrete. This paper reports the replacement of cement with nano lime and the behavior of the test specimen under various loading criteria. Nano lime, an amorphous powder with its greater compatibility with carbonate materials, has been chosen as an effective replacement material for cement in concrete mixture. In this study, nano lime is added to the concrete matrix replacing the cement and the behavior of the specimen is monitored under different strength criteria. The nano lime of size ranging from 10 to 50 nm is added to the concrete matrix replacing the cement starting from 1% to 7%. Steel fibers are added to the concrete specimen, enhancing the hydration process and consequently higher strength. The concrete specimen with nano lime and steel fibers is subjected to compressive, tensile and flexural strength and the behavior under various test loads is monitored and documented. This study aims at utilizing nano sized particles in concrete adding to increased sustainability and effectiveness.