Effect of micro-silica and nano-silica on mechanical properties of concrete

Abstract

In this paper, an experimental investigation of the influence of replacing the cement with microsilica and nanosilica on compressive strength and flexural strength of concrete is carried out. The work involves using four types of mixes, the first one includes normal mix concrete containing 0% microsilica and 0% nanosilica, the second one includes replacing the cement with different percentages of microsilica (7%, 8%, 9%),the third one includes replacing the cement with different percentages of nanosilica (1%, 2%, 3%), and the fourth one includes replacing the cement with different percentages of mixture of microsilica (7%, 8%, 9%)and nanosilica (1%, 2%, 3%).For each percentage of mix preparation, six cube specimen and six beam specimen were casted and then cured for a period of 7 days and 28 days. The results obtained from the experimental work showed that the compressive strength as well as flexural strength of concrete is increased when cement is replaced with microsilica and nanosilica. Microsilica gave maximum compressive strength and flexural strength at 8% and nanosilica gave maximum compressive strength and flexural strength at 2%. Also, maximum compressive strength and flexural strength was achieved at 8% microsilica and 2% nanosilica when we are using the mixture of both.