Authors:

Ali Kalmagambetov

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About Paper:

Concrete is the number one material chosen in the construction field. The main reasons for its widespread usage are its mechanical properties and ease of formwork during construction, which allows the creation of a diverse range of structures. However, concrete also has its limitations, including relatively high CO2 emissions (primarily from the cement used) and susceptibility to damage from freeze-thaw cycles in the presence of moisture. This project aims to explore innovative concrete mixture designs incorporating nanosilica admixtures to enhance overall strength as well as to investigate unconventional air-entraining methods in comparison to traditional designs. In comparison to traditional methods of stabilization of air bubbles created by using surfactant-type of admixtures, unconventional air-entraining methods involve introducing miniature hollow plastic spheres that serve as a replacement for the air bubbles. This method holds a promise of creating a more robust air void system as our research shows that surfactants are less effective in the presence of nanomaterials. In this project the experimental program contains the following tests: compressive and tensile strength, formation factor, water absorption and freeze-thaw resistance. Each test is important in determining the concrete's mechanical properties. The compressive and tensile strength test showcases the maximum loading conditions and other tests showcase concrete's resistance to erosion due to water, temperature or other environmental factors. The study showed that there are no immediate incompatibilities associated with alternative air-entraining methods and nanomaterials. On the contrary, the new mixes on average perform comparable to unmodified mixes in mechanical tests and resistivity to erosion caused by chemicals or water. Keywords: Concrete; Nanomaterials; Air-Entertaining; Alternative Methods; Freeze-Thaw

Source:

Purdue University / 2024

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Co-authors:

Ali Kalmagambetov