Title:
Performances of a Concrete Modified with Hydrothermal SiO2 Nanoparticles and Basalt Microfiber
Author(s):
Vadim Potapov, Yuriy Efimenko, Roman Fediuk, and Denis Gorev
Publication:
Materials Journal
Volume:
119
Issue:
5
Appears on pages(s):
139-152
Keywords:
basalt microfiber; calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H)-gel nanostructure; compressive strength; durability; flexural strength; frost resistance; impact resistance; nanosilica; water impermeability.
DOI:
10.14359/51735952
Date:
9/1/2022
Abstract:
Cement concretes modified with hydrothermal nanosilica and basalt microfiber were developed. The compressive strength Fcom, flexural strength Fflex, and characteristics of impact viscosity were determined: the number of blows before the first fracture Nff and before ultimate failure Ncd, the coefficient Niv = Ncd/Nff, and the specific energy of impact destruction Eim/Sc. The strong effect of SiO2 action and synergistic effect of the combined action of nanoparticles and microfiber on Ncd and Eim/Sc was revealed. Statistical correlations with high R2 values were obtained between the characteristics of mechanical strength and impact viscosity at different doses of SiO2 nanoparticles. Correlations obtained can be used for reduction of the cross section of concrete structures and cement consumption. The mechanism of the strong synergistic effect of the combination is explained by the enlargement of the volume fraction of the high-density (HD) phase of calcium-silicate-hydrate (C-S-H) gel with more packed nanogranules and an increase in the shear stress of C-S-H gel relative to the lateral microfiber surfaces inside the HD-phase volume. The reduction of the coefficient of water filtration Kf and an increase in the frost resistance were achieved.