The optimum percentage of nano clay (NC) in both direct-additive and sonicated modes to improve the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete (SCC)
Adel Noori, Lu Yubin, Pooya Saffari, Yu Zhang, Mingtao Wang
Abstract
Among all nanomaterials which have emerged as possible solutions to improve the mechanical properties of concrete, Nano-Clay (NC) has a definitive standing considering it is a natural mineral and most of its components are subject to natural changes. This paper presents the optimum percentage of NC in both direct-additive and sonicated modes to improve the mechanical properties of Self-Compacting Concrete (SCC). NC was taken as 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, 7.5%, and 10% of OPC in two forms, sonicated NC and direct-additive NC. The results identified that 5% sonicated NC replacement provides the highest compressive and flexural strength, while 7.5% sonicated NC provides the highest tensile strength in both sonicated and direct-additive SCC mixtures. Besides, using the ultrasonic machine may not cause any significant changes in the dispersion of NC particles at high percentages (e.g., 10%) and consequently on the mechanical properties of the SCC. Therefore, the mechanical properties of sonicated NC samples are more elevated than those of direct-additive NC samples.