Properties of Nano Engineered Concrete Subjected to Accelerated Corrosion

Abstract

Introduction. Many research had worked on improving the performance of concrete subjected to severe environment and improve concrete corrosion resistance. Using nano-materials is one of the methods had been used recently to improve concrete properties. In this research, a comparison between the performance of nano-silica and nano-clay in enhancing the durability properties of concrete was investigated. Methods and Materials. The experimental program was carried out through examining water absorption, water permeability, rapid chloride penetration test, corrosion resistance, bond strength of steel rebar before and after subjected to corrosion, and finally microstructure test. Nano-silica and nano-clay were added at 1%, 3%, and 5% as a partial replacement by weight of cement. Results. Both nano-silica and nano-clay showed significant performance in reducing the permeability and porosity of concrete and improve corrosion resistance of concrete. For comparison, nano-clay had a significant impact than that of nano-silica on concrete properties; in which the water permeability resistance of nano-clay mixes was enhanced by 87% than that of the control mix, while for nano-silica, it was 51% only. The chloride ion penetration was reduced by 72% for nanoclay mixes, while in nano-silica was 28%. Discussion. Nano-clay had a significant effect than that of nano-silica on the concrete durability properties; the flat-shaped of nano-clay particles had improved the microstructure of the cement matrix through the damping effect, besides the filling effect through the microstructure of the matrix which reduces the chloride ion penetration and improves water absorption and permeability of concrete. Conclusion. The optimum percentage of nano-silica is 1% by weight of cement as a partial replacement of cement by weight. However, for nano-clay is 5%, which gives the best performance in improve the durability properties of concrete.

Keywords

• nano-silica
• nano-clay
• permeability
• chloride penetration
• bond strength
• corrosion resistance
• microstructure analysis.