Mechanical Properties of Nano Silica and Metakaolin based Concrete with Micro Reinforcement

Abstract

The results of a research study on the mechanical characteristics of concrete involving nano silica, metakaolin and hooked end steel fibres are presented in this paper. Nano silica and metakaolin have been used to partially replace ordinary portland cement. Various combinations of nano silica and metakaolin have been tried. Desirable results (workability and strength) were obtained with 1% nano silica and 15% metakaolin combine. The water content was kept constant for all concrete mixtures. Steel fibres were used in dosages of 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2.0%. SP was used to attain the target workability and strength. Mechanical characteristics such as compressive strength, flexural strength and elasticity modulus were examined. Steel fibre volume fraction was treated as the primary study variable. Cubes of size 150 mm X 150 mm X 150 mm, Cylinders of size 150mm X 300mm and prisms of size 100 mm X 100 mm X 500 mm were cast and tested as per standard codal practices to realize the effect of steel fibres on the mechanical characteristicsof concrete containing nano silica and metakaolin. The cube compressive strength increased by a maximum of 30.86%, the cylinder compressive increased by a maximum of 34.00%, the flexural strength increased by a maximum of 67.44% and the elasticity modulus increased by a maximum of 22.23%.