Failure process of compressed self-compacting concrete modified with nanoparticles assessed by acoustic emission method
Paweł Niewiadomski, Jerzy Hoła
Abstract
Taking into consideration the wide use of self-compacting concrete in engineering practice and the need to better understand its mechanical work, while at the same time attempting to use additives with a smaller grain size as a component of concrete, the paper presents the results of the authors' own research, conducted using the acoustic emission method, on the failure process of self-compacting compressed concrete both with and without the addition of 2.0% and 4.0% of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles with regards to cement weight. The levels of crack initiation stresses σi and critical stresses σcr, which distinguish the individual stages of the investigated process, were determined. The obtained results were used to calculate the fatigue strength of all the concretes that were tested in the paper. Based on the achieved results, it can be concluded that the durability and safety of structures made of self-compacting concrete with the addition of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles that are subjected to repeatedly variable loads will be higher when compared to structures made of concrete without these additives.