Study on the Properties of Alkali-Excited Concrete Modified by Nano-SiO2 Based on Response Surface Methodology

To enhance the mechanical properties and low-carbon characteristics of industrial solid waste concrete, this paper proposes a synergistic modification strategy using nano-SiO₂ and sodium silicate. The nano-SiO₂ sol and sodium silicate activator were prepared using magnetic heating and stirring technology, and a quadratic regression model (R² = 0.9575, <i>p</i> < 0.0001) for compressive strength with three factors and three levels was established using the response surface method (RSM-CCD). The modification mechanism was verified through optimization of the mix ratio using a desirability function, along with microscopic characterization via SEM and XRD. The results indicate the following: (1) the content of nano-SiO₂ (2.4%) contributed the most to the compressive strength of the concrete, and its interaction with sodium silicate (2.1%) significantly promoted the formation of C-S-H gel; (2) the optimized fly ash substitution rate (21.7%) can achieve a 28-day compressive strength of 34.8 MPa, with the model prediction error controlled within 5%; (3) microscopic analysis showed that the synergistic effect of multiple components lowered the volume porosity of the cementitious phase, forming a densified network structure. The multi-factor synergistic optimization approach for nano-SiO₂-modified alkali-activated concrete (NS-AAC) proposed in this study offers a reference for multi-objective mix design optimization of industrial waste-based concrete.