Modification of Lightweight Aggregate Concretes with Silica Nanoparticles—A Review

Abstract

The use of lightweight concrete (LWC) for structural and non-structural applications has attracted great interest in recent years. The main benefits include reduced deadload of structural elements and generally lower production and transportation costs. However, a decrease in concrete density often leads to a decrease in strength and durability. Typically, concretes are mostly modified with mineral additives such as silica fume or fly ash. Because of the recent developments in nanotechnology, research attention has turned to the possibility of improving concrete properties with nanomaterials, i.e., nano-SiO2. However, there are still certain issues with the dosage and efficiency of nanomaterials. Therefore, in order to establish the current state of knowledge in this field, this review gathers most recent results about the performance of LWC modified with nanomaterials. The review is divided into sections about the influence of nanoparticles on the fresh properties of concrete and their influence on the mechanical and durability characteristics. The paper studies in depth the most common approach to nanomaterials in concrete technology and proposes areas for further development.

Early-Age Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Mortar with Spent Garnet

“…Another very important factor for both printed and ordinary concretes is environmental impact [ 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 ]. The mixes used for 3D printing usually contain large amounts of binder [ 1 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 ].…”

A Study on the Cement Gel Formation Process during the Creation of Nanomodified High-Performance Concrete Based on Nanosilica

“…Earlier in the studies [ 50 ], we obtained data for improving the structure formation and properties of new concrete. In the previous study, we considered microsilica as a nano-modifier, which already at its level produced a high performance and led to an increase in strength and other physical and mechanical characteristics of traditional concrete based on Portland cement.…”

“…The nano-modification of concrete with nanosilica [ 12 , 13 , 18 , 19 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 35 , 41 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ] has already shown efficiency in improving the properties of concrete, but still requires a solution for many issues. The main problem associated with the introduction of nanoparticles into cement-based materials is how to evenly distribute them in the matrix [ 23 ].…”

The use of Nanomaterials in the construction sector: A literary review

“…The search for new compounds that help improve the mechanical conditions of construction materials has led to the development of concretes with high mechanical properties, fire resistance, and impact resistance, through the use of nanomaterials [1], It is well known that cement is a material widely used in the construction industry, much of this material is used for the manufacture of concrete, which has many advantages to resist compressive loads, but very prone to cracking when exposed. to tension [2], This is why in recent years the use of new innovative methods such as the use of nanomaterials has made it possible to improve the properties of cementitious compounds; however, there are still some unforeseen issues with the dosages [3]. Currently, with the implementation of nanoparticles as an additional material in the designs of concrete mixtures, better results have been obtained in the fresh properties of concrete, since it improves its mechanical characteristics, in addition to positively influencing the increase in durability [4].…”