The effect of Nano-liquid on the properties of hardened concrete

Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas that encompasses a number of disciplines including civil engineering and it may have a great impact on the field of construction materials. The literature survey shows that little is reported to evaluate the mechanical properties of concrete incorporating nano particles. This paper deals with studying the effect of Nano-liquid on the mechanical and physical properties of hardened concrete such as water permeability, absorption, abrasion resistance, compressive strength, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength. An experimental study was carried out on two types of concrete with cement content 350 and 450 kg/m3 with water/cement ratio of 0.50 and 0.40 respectively to have a slump of 100 ± 20 mm. Concrete specimens were cured in molds for 24 h, then in water for 28 days. All specimens were subjected to drying in room temperature for 7 days before applying Nano-liquid. The used Nano-liquid was sprayed on the dry surface of hardened concrete specimens two days before testing. Hardened concrete specimens were tested according to the Egyptian standard specifications to determine the effect of Nano-liquid on mechanical and physical properties such as water permeability, absorption, abrasion resistance, compressive strength, indirect tensile and flexural strength. The experiment results show that, Nano-liquid can reduce the water absorption and coefficient of permeability. Also, it can improve the abrasion resistance of concrete, but it has no effect on concrete strength. The effect of Nano-liquid depends on concrete quality (i.e W/C ratio) and the surface condition received the Nano-liquid.