Experimental investigation and numerical modelling of concrete with the optimum percentage of colloidal nano silica

This study investigates the effect of colloidal nano silica on the mechanical properties of concrete. An experimental investigation was conducted using two concrete mixes, with and without the use of 2.5% colloidal nano silica [Type CemSynXTX (30% of nano solids content)], to assess its effect on the mechanical properties of concrete. Additionally, a numerical model was developed using Abaqus software to simulate the behaviour of a concrete prism. The experimental tests yielded an improvement in compressive strength by 10.7%, split tensile strength by 22.77%, and flexure strength by 12.69% in the concrete with the colloidal nano silica additive. The numerical analysis results demonstrated excellent agreement with the experimental results. This study bridges the gap between experimental investigation and numerical modelling of concrete made with the colloidal nano silica. Further, it proposes the optimum amount of colloidal nano silica required in concrete.