The Use of Nanosilica for Improving of Concrete Compressive Strength and Durability

Abstract

The development of construction materials technology, particularly concrete is growing very rapidly in the presence of nanotechnology. One material that deserves the attention of researchers is nanosilica. Silica has been used on concrete, starting from silica sand as a filler to microsilica (silica fume) as a reactive pozzolan. Based on previous research, silica fume is proven effective to improve the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. A novel nanotechnological process allows producing amorphous nanosilica with high reactivity from locally available silica sand. In this study a locally available nanosilica is used on mortar and concrete thereby limiting the use of commercial nanosilica materials from semiconductor industry waste. To obtain sustainable concrete, the mix is design to have high strength as well as low permeability using as much possible local sources. This study also make use of commercial, regular silica fume combined with the locally produced nanosilica. The results show that combined use of nanosilica with silica fume can increase the compressive strength and durability.