Experimental Investigation on Strength Characteristics of Concrete by Partial Replacement of Cement with Sodium Silicate

Abstract

The basic material used for advancement in concrete is often composed of essential limiting materials such as concrete, fine aggregate, coarse aggregate, and water. Solid waste management is one of the most important tactics in today's total collection situation. As expected, an effort was made to decrease usual resources and conserve the environment. To increase the strength of concrete, Sodium Silicate (Na2SiO3) is added in the amounts of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 30%, 35%, 40%, and 45% by weight of cement. The study entails investigating the effect of adding sodium silicate in various quantities on setting time, workability, and compressive strength. When sodium silicate is added to concrete, there is a significant increase in workability and durability, according to the literature. Setting time and compressive strength were studied, and it was shown that using sodium silicate as a substitute for cement improves workability and durability. When Sodium Silicate is added to concrete buildings, the content of calcium hydroxide drops while the content of calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H gel) increases as compared to untreated concrete structures. Because the expansive and insoluble C-S-H gels partially fill the micro-pores, micro-voids, and micro fractures in the concrete structures, the sodium silicate-based concrete sealers are basically surface hydrophilic agents. Because of the production of C-S-H gel, the amount of water in the mix is reduced as compared to a traditional one, as is the initial setting time. Sodium Silicate is transformed into a binding agent as well as a superplasticizer after the reaction.