Durability and Strength Features of Nano-silica-Containing High-Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete

This work discusses the effect of steel fibers, nano-silica, and micro-silica on the durability of concrete and resistance to sulfuric acid assault. The authors developed fifteen alternative concrete mixes including binary and ternary combinations of NS, MS, and SF at different replacement amounts, as well as a traditional control mix. At 7, 14, 28, 56, and 90 days, flexural strength and durability traits were assessed. According to test findings, optimum dosage of 2.5% NS presented the best flexural strength and less degradation, and addition of NS created good effects on matrix densification due to pozzolanic activity. Because of the increased pozzolanic activity and more C-S-H gel, the addition of MS to NS afterwards produced further resistance to acid-induced degradation. The combination including 2.5% NS, 7.5% MS, and 1.5% SF resulted in the minimum strength and weight loss under severe sulfuric acid attack, while the ternary mixes including NS, MS, and SF showed the maximum recovery. The paper thus stated that the application of NS, MS, and SF together creates a synergy that makes concrete ideal for exposure to corrosive and acidic conditions.