Experimental study on static and impact properties of concrete incorporating nano-SiO2, nano-Al2O3 and Fe2O3 in single and combined forms

This paper presents a comparative evaluation of the single and combined effect of nanoparticles on the static and impact properties of concrete. Nano-SiO₂, nano-Al₂O₃ and nano-Fe₂O₃ were used separately and in combined forms as partial replacements of cement by 1% and 2% by weight. The impact of nanoparticles on the unit weight, compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, toughness, fracture energy, impact performance of concrete was experimentally examined. In addition, the effect of these nanoparticles on the microstructure of concrete was investigated using SEM analysis. Moreover, to evaluate the commercial production of such concretes, the cost effectiveness of use of nanoparticles in concrete was also discussed. Desirability function analysis was also conducted to compare the overall performance of the tested concretes. The results revealed that use of nano materials in concrete had a positive effect on improving their mechanical performance. Nanoparticles increased the compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength, and energy absorption capacity of concrete. Use of nanoparticles didn't show any significant influence on the unit weight of concrete. Moreover, the results also showed that nano materials didn't have a good influence on the impact performance of concrete. SEM analysis showed that use of nanoparticles improved the microstructure of concrete.