Investigating the Effects of Nano-Materials on the Mechanical and Durability Properties of Self-Consolidating Concrete

The rapid progression in concrete technology and the emphasis on improving the mechanical characteristics and durability of concrete, as well as the need for skilled workers, were key factors that led to the fabrication of self-consolidating concrete (SCC). The primary advantage of SCC is the elimination of vibrations during construction. This experimental study investigates the effect of nano-silica, nano-clay, and micro-silica with ratios of 2% and 4% on the properties of SCC. To reach this aim, rheological tests (flow slump, V-shape funnel, U-shaped box, and L-shaped box tests), mechanical tests (compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength test), and durability tests (freezing, abrasion, and permeability tests) were carried out. The results demonstrated that the mechanical characteristics and durability of the concrete were enhanced by increasing the nano-silica content up to 4% of the cement weight. Also, the increase in the nano-clay content produced suitable results for SCC in terms of mechanical and durability aspects. However, as the nano-material ratio increases, the amount of superplasticizer also increased to ensure the proper workability of the SCC.