The effect of adding nano-silica on the ultrasonic pulse velocity of geopolymer concrete

Document Type : Research Article

Authors

1 Standard Research Institute, Technical and Engineering Faculty, Construction and Mineral Department, Karaj, Iran

2 Department of Civil, Faculty of Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran

3 Applied Science Center of Khorasan Razavi Municipalities, Mashhad, Iran

Abstract

Nanotechnology plays an important role in the current construction industry. It has been observed that several properties of cement-based concrete are affected by different nano materials. In this study, different weight percentages of nano-silica (0, 1, 2, and 4 wt%) were used to build geopolymer specimens. The mechanical properties of the specimens were then measured, including the compressive and flexural strength. Results demonstrated that increasing the percentage of nano-silica from 0 to 4 wt% increases the compressive strength of the specimens from 50.4 to 75.2 MPa and the flexural strength from 11.4 to 26.2 MPa. Furthermore, it was observed that the ultrasonic pulse velocity was altered by increasing SiO2 (nano-silica), decreasing the ultrasonic pulse rate from 7.0 to 4.5 km.s-1.

Graphical Abstract

The effect of adding nano-silica on the ultrasonic pulse velocity of geopolymer concrete

Highlights

  • Compressive strength increased with time in all samples. However, the rate of increase varied in different samples and alkalinity.
  • The sample with 4% weight of nano-silica provided the maximum strength after 90 days.
  • The increase of the nano-silica additive in geopolymer concrete improved the mechanical strength of concrete due to strengthening the concrete bonds.
  • The reduction of concrete porosity according to SEM images, it was seen that the ultrasonic pulse velocity decreased.
  • The minor increase of the amount of nano-silica improved the efficiency of the concrete proposed in this study.

Keywords

References

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Journal of Particle Science and Technology
Volume 7, Issue 2
October 2021
Pages 99-105

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History

  • Receive Date: 30 November 2021
  • Revise Date: 18 May 2022
  • Accept Date: 02 June 2022

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