Performance Assessment of Self-Compacting Concrete Containing Graphene Oxide

Modification of concrete properties at nanoscale is the need of sustainable development in the construction industry. Graphene oxide (GO) is the groundbreaking material to improve the concrete properties. The aim of the work was to focus on the latest advancements in composite materials, optimization of the dose of graphene oxide (GO), and the ability to produce self-compacting concrete (SCC) with modified rheological qualities for modern construction applications. This was achieved by introducing the GO in M 25, M 30, M 35, and M 40 grade of concrete. The dose of GO was applied considering its weight per kg of cement in the mix design. Class F fly ash was used as a 30% partial replacement by weight of cement. The mechanical properties such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, shrinkage, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and water absorption were tested at different curing ages. The rheological properties were assessed through slump flow, V-funnel, and L-box test. The microstructural properties of SCC with GO were investigated through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) at 28 and 56 days of curing. The results showed the addition of GO in SCC improved the fresh properties of concrete by 10–14%, and hardened properties of concrete by 26–32%. Addition of GO reduced water absorption by 30–45%, and drying shrinkage was also observed within limits as per codal provision. The microstructural analysis of the mixtures showed that GO acts as an additive material at the nanoscale by helping to transport water to the unreacted cement particles, which improved the quality of the concrete mix. The addition of GO facilitated achieving the five goals of SDG (i.e., industry, innovation and infrastructure; sustainable cities and communities; responsible consumption and production; climate action; and decent work and economic growth).