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Abstract In the recent days usage of nano materials in concrete are responsible in creating ultra-high-performance concrete. Curing is another important strength enhancing parameter in all types of concrete. The nano concrete was achieved by replacing cement in the conventional concrete with Nano silica (NS) in the order of 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% and 3%. In the present study nano concrete was experimentally explored to mechanical properties like workability, Compressive Strength (CS), Flexural Strength (FS), Bond Strength (BS), Water Absorption (WA), and Thermal Conductivity (TC) test. The mechanical properties were examined at different ages of concrete by subjecting it to four different curing conditions such as water curing, admixture curing, membrane curing and air curing. M30 grade control concrete was compared with the test results. Totally 7 mix proportions by varying nano silica volume were casted. In total 50 cubes (150mm x 150mm x 150mm), 25 prisms (150mm x 150mm x 700mm) were casted to perform the experimental study. Polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) was used an internal curing admixture. Sulpho-naphthalene formaldehyde (SNF) admixture was added by 0.85% weight of cement to enhance the workability of the mix. The results proved the performance of concrete was improved when cement was replaced by 2% of NS and water curing gives the best results in all the mechanical tests performed. Addition of NS beyond 2% weight of cement reduces the fresh and harden properties due to its high Specific Surface Area (SSA). The decrease in porosity was noted with NS addition, hence water curing was best suited curing technique for Nano-concrete.
Kumar et al. (Thu,) studied this question.