The effect of silica Fibers on the compressive strength and tensile strength of light concrete

Abstract

In the feasibility studies used for the correct use of this side product, it was decided to investigate the effect of this substance in a light concrete. Due to the low specific gravity, the lightweight concrete is less resistant compared to other concretes. So, in this study, the effect of nanocrystalline silica nano and micro and macro silica fibers, a mineral extracted on the mechanical properties of light concrete, including the compressive strength and tensile strength, were investigated. The results showed the improvement of the mechanical properties of the light concrete for the use of nano silica to 4% cement weight. By combining nanosilica with micro silica and its effect on the mechanical properties of concrete, we found that the highest compressive strength was in using 2% nano silica and 8% micro silica. However, the combination of the nano-silica with a percentage of more than 8% of micro silica reduced the mechanical properties of the sample. Also, the mixing of macro-silica in concrete up to 25% increased the tensile and compressive strength.

Keywords

• mechanical properties
• light concrete
• silica fiber