Effect on Compressive Strength of Concrete by use of Nano Silica as Partial Replacement of Cement

Abstract

— Concrete composite is one of the main construction materials in civil engineering, with large quantities of it
being consumed all over the world each year. Cement is an important raw material in the production of concrete
composite. During manufacturing of cement, large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) get into the atmosphere. So, it is
required to use a Green concrete that will result in the sustainable development without destruction of natural resources.
The major objective behind green concrete is to reduce CO2 emission from cement industry. The application of
nanotechnology in concrete has added a new dimension to the efforts to improve its properties. Nanomaterials, by virtue
of their very small particle size can affect the concrete properties by altering the microstructure. This study concerns
with the use of nano silica to improve the compressive and tensile strength of concrete. An experimental investigation has
been carried out by replacing the cement with nano silica of 2.0%, 3.0% and 4.0% by weight of cement. The tests
conducted on it shows a considerable increase in compressive and tensile strength of concrete. The strength increase was
observed with the increase in the percentage of nano silica.