The Future of Civil Engineering with the Influence and Impact of Nanotechnology on Properties of Materials

Abstract

It is true that nanotechnology has become one of the influential technologies in this century since it has been successful in fascinating all most all manifolds of technology, like that it has also embraced the field of Civil Engineering. More particularly the construction sector finds its advantage with nanotechnology, construction industry needs more material and energy resources. Among all the materials used in construction, concrete occupies nearly 70% of the materials by volume and shows significant impact. The advent of nanotechnology helped in producing more strong and durable material than conventional materials. Nanotechnology in making concrete refers to the production and addition of nanosized particles in to concrete at suitable proportions by appropriate methods. The basic purpose of using nanosized materials in concrete is to improve compressive and flexural strengths at early age, it is possible due to the high surface – to volume ratio. It also helps to improve the pore structure of concrete. Nanosized materials help to reduce porosity as they absorb less water compared to traditional cementitious materials. The presence of nanomaterials reduces the amount of cement content in concrete than the conventional concrete. This can be achieved without sacrificing strength characteristics, thereby it is possible to produce eco friendly concrete called green concrete. This paper tries to review how nanotechnology is used in civil engineering and its effects on various nanomaterials viz. steel, glass, wood and the paper also throws a special focus on concrete how does it affect various properties of materials.