Properties of concrete incorporating silica fume and nano-SiO2

Abstract

The use of silica fume has been considered as a pozzolan for several years. Besides, doing research about nano and its application in concrete is increasing. The present study investigates the simultaneous use of nano-SiO2 and silica fume in concrete. In order to such a purpose, silica fume in measures of 5 and 10 percent and nano-SiO2 in measures of 0.5 and 1 percent were replaced with cement and totally eight mixture plans for doing the compressive strength and water absorption experiments. Finally, the results showed that using such materials improves the qualities of concrete. Using both 10% silica fume and 1% nano SiO2, as a cement replacement, resulted in 42.2% increase in compressive strength in comparison to control sample. Furthermore, it was understood that the simultaneous use of these materials is more influential than their single use.