On effects of freezing and thawing cycles of concrete containing nano- $$\mathbf {SiO_2}$$ SiO 2 : experimental study of material properties and crack simulation

Abstract

Abstract Construction during cold weather can lead to freezing accidents in concrete, causing significant hidden threats to the project’s performance and safety by affecting the mechanical properties and durability reduction. This study aims to deduce the compressive strength and durability of the concrete containing nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 under freezing-thawing cycles with the Caspian seawater curing condition. The specimens were subjected to freezing-thawing cycles according to ASTM C666. Furthermore, crack propagation in the concrete after freezing-thawing cycles is simulated. The results reveal that adding until nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 until 6% improved compressive strength before and after freezing-thaw cycles. The water permeability experiences a substantial reduction as the amount of nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 increases. Furthermore, the water permeability exhibits a positive correlation with the number of cycles, resulting in significantly higher values after 150 cycles compared to the initial sample. Moreover, adding 8% nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 reduced the depth of water permeability and chloride ion penetration after 150 cycles by 57% and 86%, respectively. The crack simulation results indicate that concrete containing 6% nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 shows an optimal resistance against crack formation. Concrete with 6% nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 requires 13.88% less force for crack initialization after 150 freezing and thawing cycles. Among different nano- $$\mathrm{SiO}_2$$ SiO 2 percentages, 6% shows the best crack resistance and 8% the minimum water permeability and chloride ion penetration.