Experimental Analysis of Mechanical Properties on Concrete with Nano Silica Additive

In the current scenario nanotechnology and nanomaterials are emerging as key role in engineering and medical industries. The objective of this research is to increase the usage of fly ash in concrete to enhance the strength properties of concrete mixed with nano silica and to reduce the emission control caused by CO 2 discharged from cement manufacturing industries. The strength properties of concrete mixture is enhanced with nano size particles filled the voids amoung micron size cement particle, and hence a denser concrete mixture was being attained. Fly ash is used for partial replacement of cement to enhance the environmental sustainability and to reduce the cost. This research work focussed on preparation of nano silica mixed concrete with replacement of fly ash in concrete mixture. Nano silica was added in addition to the above by 1% and 2% to improve the overall strength properties. Different experimental analysis were carried out to obtained the results such as compression strength, ultimate divide tensile strength and elastic modulus of the enriched concrete mixture. From the observed results it was found that, compression strength was increased by adding 1% nano silica and 25% of fly ash and also increased the ultimate tensile strength by 28%. Scanning Electrom Microscope (SEM) results reveal that, the incorporation of the nano silica in concrete increases the mechanical properties and porosity was successfully minimized with enhancement of pore size distribution.