ABSTRACT

The most common material used for construction purpose is concrete and total production of

cement is consumed in concrete for construction purpose. When we use cement in large quantities

its production emits more and more carbon dioxide and hence results in greenhouse effect which

leads to ozone layer depletion. So, consumption of cement in concrete in this research is reduced

by replacing cement by Nano-silica. Self-compacting concrete flows and settles under its own

weight and any kind of vibration for compaction is not required. Hence, reduces noise and onsite

manpower (labor) to operate vibrator. Nano-silica is very fine material its size is in nano range

and is pozzolanic in nature. In this research self-compacting concrete has been tested with and

without Nano-silica as partial replacements of cement by 3%, 4%, and 5% by the weight of

cement. Fresh properties by L-Box, slump test, V-funnel, of concrete has been tested and

Compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength has been checked after 7 days, 14

days, 28 days and 56 days. It was found that Nano-silica enhances all the above-mentioned

properties as Nano-silica is very fine material and is pozzolanic in nature. The results further

revealed that optimum dosage is 4%.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSTRACT

CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION

1.3 objectives of the study

1.4 supplementary cement materials (SCM)

1.4.1 Advantages of using supplementary cement materials

1.4.2. Use of Nano-silica

1.4.3 Reaction mechanism of Nano-silica

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Physical properties of Nano-silica

2.2 Properties of concrete

1.1 General

1.1.1 History behind Development of SCC

1.1.2 Motive behind Development of SCC

1.2 Advantages and Benefits

2.2.1 Fresh properties of concrete

2.2.2 Hardened properties of concrete

2.2.2.1 Compressive strength,

Split tensile strength, Flexural strength

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CHAPTER 3 :

EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

3.1 General

3.2. Material used

3.2.1 Cement and its tests

3.2.2 Filler

3.2.3 Water

3.2.4 Fine aggregate and its tests

3.2.5 Coarse aggregate and its tests

3.2.6 Superplasticizer

3.2.7 Nano-silica

CHAPTER 4

EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 General

4.2 Use of Nano-silica

CHAPTER 5
CONCLUSIONS
REFERENCES

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 CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
1.1 General
Self-compacting concrete is a special and recent development of concrete in construction world,
which flows and fills all the gaps of the formwork/moulds under the influence of its own weight,
even in congested reinforcement bars. Self-compacting concrete does not require any mechanical
vibrator for filling the gaps in the formwork and resisting segregation, hence, it reduces onsite
manpower (labor) for all operations and reduces noise as well due to absence of vibrator at
construction site as well as in the plants. Low water-cement ratio is preferred hence results in
rapid strength development and durability. Workability is obtained by adding super plasticizers
to the concrete.
Fresh self-compacting concrete must possess the following:-
1 Filling ability: this is the ability of self-compacting concrete to fill all the gaps present in
the frame work, under the influence of its own weight only.
2 Passing ability: this is the ability of self-compacting concrete to pass or flow through the
reinforcement bars having tight openings, under the influence of its own weight only.
3 Resistance to segregation: self-compacting concrete must possess first two conditions and
the composition must remain homogeneous through the process of transport and placing,
no segregation should take place. We can check that by doing slump flow test, L-box test,
V-funnel test etc.
1.1.1 History behind Development of SCC
In last few decades, to enhance the performance of concrete in hardened state i.e. to increase the
strength and durability of concrete, a lot of research were carried out throughout the world. Use
of concrete in congested reinforcement bars and in special architectural structures , have made it
requisite to produce a concrete that have proper passing ability, filling ability, good overall
strength and adequate permeability. For enhancement of strength and durability properties of
concrete researchers has under gone from macro level to micro level study, from 1980’s onwards.
By this study, development of self-compacting concrete was resulted. Self-compacting concrete
was first developed by Okamura in 1988 in Japan to overcome the declension of concrete quality
due to lack of skilled labour. Okamura’s method is referred as Japanese method for design of
selfcompacting concrete. Okamura’s method suggests that the coarse aggregate content in

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concrete mix should be 50% of its packed density and in mortar, sand content should be 50% of
its packed density. After self-compacting concrete was developed, whole Europe started working
on selfcompacting concrete, which is noise free concrete i.e. why called as silent concrete. In
Europe, 1991-2000 decade remain quite active for research field in self-compacting concrete.
This is the reason why, Europe has given specifications and guidelines for self-compacting
concrete EFNARC 2002, ahead of USA. Self-compacting concrete is found to be economical
and environmental friendly as compared to conventional vibrated concrete.
Su et.al. And Su and Miao developed an alternate method for making self-compacting concrete,
which is known as Chinese method henceforth.it first starts with packing of gravel and sand
together and after that the voids present in aggregates are getting filled with cement paste. This
method saves cement and filler constituents which are considered to be expensive hence results
in less paste and is easier to carryout, and a concrete of normal strength is developed. The main
disadvantage of using self-compacting concrete is that it needs more time as compared to
conventional vibrated concrete to test before placing the concrete. Further research is going on
self-compacting concrete, as it is not fully understood yet.
1.1.2 Motivation behind the development of SCC
It has been observed that in self-compacting concrete we can add upto 70%(by the weight of
powder content) of supplementary cement materials such as fly ash, silica fume, granulated blast
furnace, etc.so by using these more and more supplementary cement materials we can reduce the
use of cement in concrete. During production of cement lot of carbon-dioxide is released which
leads to greenhouse effect and further to Ozone layer depletion, so, by developing selfcompacting
concrete this problem can be reduced to some extent and we will get more durable concrete as
compared to other conventional concrete. Self-compacting concrete is a recent development in
construction world and further research is going on this material as it is not fully understood yet.
As discussed above the construction rate is faster as compared to conventional concrete mix and
it also reduces overall cost of construction. So, if I need to construct a structure in a limited period
of time I can go for self-compacting concrete.
In India, not much work on self-compacting concrete has been reported, but due to lack of skilled
labour and non-mechanization of construction industry, the future for SCC concrete is very bright.
For few decades, main problem that engineers were facing is the durability of concrete. For
durable concrete structures there is sufficient requirement of compaction which is done by using

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a mechanical vibrator in conventional concrete. But, if over compaction is done, segregation of
concrete will occur, by developing self-compacting concrete there is no scarcity of segregation
and enhancement in strength is obtained. As self-compacting concrete is segregation resistant,
have flow and passing ability and compact under the influence of its own weight only and does
not require any mechanical vibrator, hence reduce labour and equipment cost. For life long
structures and for structures where construction period is limited and where we require more
strength of the structures we can go for self-compacting concrete. In congested reinforcement
structures where it is difficult to pour the concrete, self -compacting concrete has the property to
flow and settle under its own weight, so using self-compacting concrete we can easily place the
concrete. The main reason why Self-compacting came into existence is that during those days
there were lack of skilled labour and researchers were worried about hardened properties of
concrete. So, they made a concrete which can settle and compact under its own weight only.
1.2 Advantages and benefits of self –compacting concrete :
1. As self-compacting concrete consolidates and flows through reinforcement without
segregation under the influence of its own weight only hence it will not require any
mechanical vibrator.
2. Since self-compacting concrete does not require vibrator for consolidation and flow hence
reduces noise and labour required.
3. Self –compacting concrete helps in faster (rapid) construction and ease of flow through
congested reinforcement.
4. It is silent concrete, as it reduces noise at sites, pre-cast factory etc.
5. As vibrator and labours for handling that vibrator is not required hence it reduces the
equipment cost as well as labour cost.
6. It is called a healthy concrete as it eliminates problems with blood circulation leading to
“white fingers” caused by compacting equipment.
7. In situations where the casting is difficult due to congested reinforcement, self-compacting
concrete yields homogenous concrete.
8. Normally, 1 cum requires 1.5 man-hours but using self-compacting concrete it is reduced
to 0.35 man-hours.
9. It extends the service life of forms as it reduces wear and tear of forms.

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1.3 Objectives of the study

1. To replace cement by nano-silica material.

2. To study the effect of nano-silica on self-compacting concrete.
3. To find the optimum dosage of nano-silica.
4. To find the effect of nano-silica on compressive strength of self-compacting concrete.
5. To study the effect of nano silica on split tensile strength of self-compacting concrete.
6. To study the effect of Nano-silica on flexural strength.

1.4 Supplementary cement materials:

Concrete is made of Portland cement, sand, coarse aggregate, and water. The main binder
element in concrete is cement. Some supplementary materials are called pozzolans, which do not
have cementitious properties but when reacts with cement they form cementitious products
(during pozzolanic reaction). Supplementary cement materials are mineral admixtures, which
enhances mechanical and durability properties of concrete due to hydraulic and pozzolanic
activity. Supplementary cement materials can be used combined or individually in concrete. The
supplementary cement materials I am using in this research is nano-silica.
1.4.1 Advantages of using supplementary cement material
1 Using supplementary cement materials the overall cost of construction is less as compared
to using cement.
2 Supplementary cement materials can be used as partial replacement of cement, during
production of which lot of carbon dioxide is released which leads to greenhouse effect
and further to Ozone layer depletion, hence reduces the use of cement in concrete.
3 Supplementary cement materials enhances workability and other properties.
4 Supplementary cement materials in concrete enables us to use these byproducts which
otherwise can be landfilled as wastes
5 Supplementary cement materials can retard setting time and some may accelerate setting
time.
6 Supplementary cement materials reduces bleeding because of additional fines 7
Supplementary cement materials increases compressive strength.
8 Supplementary cement materials decrease permeability and hence reduces freeze and thaw
and reduces chloride penetration.

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1.4.2 Use of Nano silica
Nano-silica are also known as silicon dioxide nano particles or silica nano particles. Nano-silica
is very fine material having particle size in the nano range. Cementitious material which is most
referred and used is amorphous silica. According to their structures, nano silica has two types,
one is P-type and second is S-type. The S-type Nano-silica particles have comparatively smaller
surface area. It has been observed that nano-silica used in concrete enhances compressive strength
of concrete and reduces overall permeability of concrete in hardened state of concrete due to
pozzolanic properties of nano-silica, which results in densification of concrete matrix. As
Nanosilica is very fine material, the voids which are there in coarse aggregates are filled by fine
aggregates (sand) and the voids in fine aggregates are filled by cement material used in concrete
and the voids present in cement material are filled by nano-silica additives used in concrete, hence
results in overall densification of concrete matrix.
1.4.3 Reaction mechanism of Nano-silica (M.H.Beigi et al.)
Nano-filling property
During hydration process calcium hydroxide crystals is produced which causes voids in the
concrete .nano particles ,having filling ability fills the voids in Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate gel and
makes a denser adhesive cement paste.
Acting as a nucleus:
Nano particles can act like nucleus forming an extremely strong bond with Calcium-
SilicateHydrate gel particles, in the structure of the Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate gel. Thus, increases
stability of hydration products and hardened properties of concrete (mechanical and durability
properties) are expected to improve.
Pozzolanic reaction:
When water-cement reaction takes place a large amount of calcium hydroxide crystals is
produced. The calcium hydroxide Crystals of is a hexagonal crystal which exists between the
transition area of cement paste matrix and aggregates and are harmful for strength and durability
of concrete. Nano-silica, having high surface area, is very reactive, and Produces CalciumSilicate-
Hydrate condensed gel .Therefore, in the pozzolanic reaction, Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate gel
increases and calcium hydroxide crystals decreases. Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate is a product of
pozzolanic reaction, it Increases the density of transition region/ area by filling empty spaces which
leads to increase in strength.

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2C3S + H2O → C-S-H + 3((Ca (OH)2)
2C3S + 9H2O→ C-S-H + Ca (OH)2
2SiO2 + 3Ca (OH)2 → 3CaO. 2SiO2. H2O

To further explain the fast reactivity of nano-silica particles it can be said that for nano silica with
unsaturated bonds, the reaction process between SiO 2 is as follows

≡Si-O- + H – OH → ≡Si - OH
≡Si - + H – OH → ≡ Si – OH
≡Si- OH + Ca (OH)2 → C-S-H

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Physical properties of Nano-silica

Table 2.1: Physical properties of Nano-silica

Properties M.H.Beigi Ali Nazari Karamoozain Ehsan

Mohseni

Diameter(nm) 15±5 15±5 15±3 15±3

Surface-volume
ratio(m2/g)
160±20 165±17 165±17 200
-
Density g/cm3 <0.15 <0.15 <0.15

Purity >99.9 >99.9 >99.9 >99.9

2.2 Properties of concrete

2.2.1 Fresh properties of concrete:

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A concrete is said to be in fresh state when this concrete can be moulded in any shape and during
this stage concrete is in plastic state. It includes workability, setting time, bleeding and
segregation, air entrainment etc.
Workability of concrete depends on water-cement ratio, quantity and type of aggregates, quantity
and type of cement, temperature, fine to coarse aggregate ratio etc. setting time is dependent on
water to binder ratio, type of cement and admixture used, weather conditions, amount of cement
and aggregates etc.
Flexural strength: From his study he concluded that upto 4% flexural strength increases and at
6% there is no improvement in flexural strength this increase in flexural strength is due to
nanofiller effect and due to pozzolanic effect of nano-silica.
Flexural strength: From his study he concluded that optimum dosage is 2.5% of nano-silica.
Flexural strength increases upto 2.5% and then it decreases. Improvement in flexural strength is
due to filling ability and pozzolanic reaction of nano-silica, and deduction in strength is due to
formation of unstable balls due to agglomeration of concrete.
Flexural strength: He concluded that flexural strength increases upto 4% and then it decreases.
The fact for increase in flexural strength is that nano-silica is very reactive and it consumes
calcium hydroxide produced during hydration process of cement, into calcium silicate hydrate
gel by which almost all voids in concrete gets filled and hence increase overall flexural strength
of concrete. The fact behind decrease in flexural strength at 5% replacement of cement by
nanosilica, may be due to presence of more SiO2 nanoparticles than required and thus leading to
leaching of silica out and by replacing cement which is the main binder in concrete and hence
does not contribute to strength gain.
Flexural strength: From his study he concluded that flexural strength was maximum for
specimen incorporated with 7% nano-silica silica consumes unwanted harmful product of cement
hydration which results in formation of
.this is because nano-silica acts as nucleus and hence absorbs more calcium ions present by which
rate of hydration increases, hence results in gain in strength.
.

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 Table 2.2. The tensile strength at 28 days
Mix ID Tensile strength

Reference 6.47

1% Nano-silica 7.08

2% Nano-silica 7.92

At 28 day split tensile strength at 1% nano-silica and at 2% nano-silica was improved by 17%
and 24% respectively in comparison to reference mix. Split tensile is increased with addition of
nano-silica and this increase is because of nano filling effect of nano-silica and due to pozzolanic
reaction of nano-silica and at 56 day tensile strength decreases due to lack of formation of C-SH
gel.
Flexural strength: it was found that flexural strength increases and is maximum for concrete
incorporated with 2% nano-silica. Flexural strength is increased with addition of nano-silica and
this increase is because of nano filling effect of nano-silica and due to pozzolanic reaction of
nano-silica.
Tensile strength: As it can be seen that tensile strength increases in all mixs incorporated with
nano-silica the fact behind this increase is formation of calcium silicate hydrate which is formed
when nano-silica reacts with crystalline calcium hydroxide in pozzolanic reaction. Table 2.3.
Tensile strength at 90 days
Concrete Tensile strength at 90 days in Mpa

SCC400 3.9

SCC450 4.6

SCC500 4.8

SCC400 NS2% 4.4

SCC450 NS2% 4.8

SCC500 NS2% 4.9

Flexural strength: It was found that flexural strength is maximum for specimen incorporated
with nano-silica as compared to those without nano-silica. The fact behind this increase is

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formation of calcium silicate hydrate which is formed when nano-silica reacts with crystalline
calcium hydroxide in pozzolanic reaction.

CHAPTER 3
EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMMES

3.1 General
Self-Compacting Concrete is that concrete which flows under its own weight with low
watercement ratio. The flow ability of concrete is achieved by using superplasticizers . When
there is congested reinforcement it is very difficult to pour concrete in it, hence we prefer
SelfCompacting Concrete, for which I have limited coarse aggregate size. Self –Compacting
Concrete shows more strength and is found to be economical as compared to conventional
vibrated concrete, as it does not require any kind of vibration.

3.2 Material used

3.2.1 Cement and its tests.
Cement is fine binder, usually organic substance which hardens and adheres to other materials
together. In concrete it is used to bind fine and coarse aggregate together. In this study ordinary
Portland cement of grade 53 is used produced by Trumbo industries PVT LTD, which sets quickly
as compared to 43 grade.
Tests on cement
1 Fineness test: fineness of cement was determined by sieve method. The importance of
determining fineness of cement is that we will come to know about the strength. If our material
is finer, rate of hydration will increase due to large surface area hence more will be the strength.
Table 3.1. Weight of residue of cement.
Sample Weight of residue in grams

1 2.7

2 2.3

3 2.5

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Average residue = (2.7+2.3+2.5)/3 = 2.5g
Fineness = 2.5*100/100 = 2.5
2 Specific gravity of cement. Specific gravity of cement was determined by Le-Chatelier’s flask.
Observation
W1 = 111g
W2 = 161g
W3 =386.6g
W4 =352.5g

Specific gravity = (W2 –W1) = (161-111)

(W2-W1) – (W4-W3) (161-111)-(386.6 -352.5)

Specific gravity = 3.15

3 Consistency of cement
It is defined as water requirement for cement paste to bring the Vicat plunger needle upto 5 to
7mm from the bottom.
Observation
It was found that normal consistency for cement was 28%. Normal consistency is required so that
we can say amount of water to be added for initial and final setting time test and for soundness
test. Which we take 0.85 of consistency for setting time and 0.78 for soundness.
4 Initial and final setting time for cement
Initial setting time is time after which Vicat’s needle will not penetrate in cement paste after
35±5mm from the top, final setting time is the time after which there will not be any mark on
hardened cement paste. As per specification initial setting time is 30 minutes minimum and final
setting time is 600 minutes maximum
Observation
It was observed that initial setting time was 65 minutes and final setting time was 225 minutes.
5 Soundness test of cement
Soundness of cement is measured in terms of expansion of cement. Cracks may develop if our
cement is unsound and ultimately leads to failure. For SCC soundness is limited to 5mm.

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Observation
It was found that distance after 24 hours was 1.5 cm and after 3 hours was 1.8 cm. therefore
soundness is 1.8 – 1.5 =0.3 cm which is 3mm hence is in limit.

Table3.2 Physical properties of cement

Specific gravity Setting time(min) Consistency Fineness
Initial final
3.15 65 225 28% 2.5

3.2.2 Filler: In this study stone powder is used as inert filler and it does not affect the strength
neither positively nor negatively. It is just used to increase the paste content in the mixture.
According to EFNARC by stone dust we may have durability problems but by Nano-silica we
can compensate that problem as well.
1 Specific gravity and water absorption. Specific gravity of fine aggregates was found by using
pycnometer.
Observation
X = surface dry wt. = 500g
X1 =Wt. of bottle + sample +water=1830g
X2 =Wt. of bottle+ water = 1517g
X3 = Oven dry wt. = 495g

Specific gravity = X3 = 495 = 2.67

X-(X1 – X2) 500 – (1830 – 1517)

Water absorption =X- X3 = 500 – 495 = 1%

X3 495
2. Sieve analysis of fine aggregate
Table 3.3 Sieve analysis for fine aggregate.

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 Sieve Sieve Wt. % % Cumulative
size(mm)
No retained retained passing % retained
(g)
1 4.75 17 1.7 98.3 1.7

2 2.36 210 21 77.3 22.7

3 1.18 310 31 46.3 53.7

4 0.6 70 7 39.3 60.7

5 0.3 240 24 15.3 84.7

6 0.15 120 12 3.3 96.7

7 PAN 33 3.3 0

total 1000 320.2

Calculations
Fineness of sand = 320.2/100 = 3.2
3.2.5. Coarse aggregate and its tests
According to EFNARC guidelines and specifications the maximum size of aggregates are limited
to 20mm. but in this study I have used 10mm size aggregate with specific gravity 2.65 and water
absorption of 0.5%.
Tests on coarse aggregate 1 Specific gravity
Specific gravity is defined as density of substance compared to density of water at 4 0c. Density
of coarse aggregate should be in between 2.6 to 2.7. The reason for finding specific gravity of
aggregates is that while designing the mix it is requisite that you should know specific gravity of
coarse aggregate to find quantity of coarse aggregate Observation

Surface dry wt. X2 = 1005g

X = Wt. of gravel + basket mesh= 1500g. X1=Wt. of empty mesh =875g

X3=dry wt. of sample = 998g

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Calculation

Specific gravity = X3 . = 998 . = 2.65

X2 - (X – X1) 1005 – (1500 – 875)

Water absorption = X2 – X3 x 100 = 1005 - 998 x 100 = 0.7%.
X3 998
2 Sieve analysis
This test is conducted because we will know the grading of material and fineness of material.
Table 3.4 Sieve analysis for coarse aggregate

Sieve Wt. % % Cumulati

Sieve No.
size(mm) retained retained passing ve %
(g) retained
1 12 30 1.5 98.5 1.5
2 10 646 32.3 66.2 33.8
3 4.75 1292 64.6 1.6 98.4
4 2.36 32 1.6 0 100
total 2000 233.7

Fineness modulous = 233.7 / 100 =2.34

3.2.6 Superplasticizer: SCC is made with low water-binder ratio, to compensate water
requirement and to decrease viscosity or to increase flow ability of concrete superplasticizer is
used. In this study SNF was used as superplasticizer. It was already available in the laboratory.
3.2.7 Nano-silica: Nano-silica was used as partial replacement of cement obtained from
ASTTRA CHEMICALS PVT LTD. It was observed that Nano-silica enhances both the fresh and
hardened properties of concrete due to its nano filling effect and pozzolanic nature.
3. Mixing Procedure and curing.
First, cement sand and aggregates were mixed thoroughly in dry form in drum mixer for 3 to 5
minutes and then Nano-silica dispersion was added which was already prepared in laboratory
using sonicator (figure). During sonication required amount of Nano-silica and 30% of water
required were added, to form dispersion of Nano-silica. Dispersion of Nano-silica took 15

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minutes. This dispersed Nano-silica were mixed to the already dry mixed aggregates for 3 minutes
and rest 70% of water were added to the mixture and were mixed for 3 more minutes. Finally

Fig 3.1 pouring of concrete

Superplasticizer were added to attain flow ability and were mixed for a minute or two. This freshly
mixed concrete has been tested for workability by slump flow test, V-funnel test, L-box and slump
T50. After satisfying these tests this freshly mixed concrete was poured in cubes, cylinders and
rectangles as per requirement, which were oiled before pouring this concrete and no vibration
were given to these specimen as Self-Compacting Concrete settles under its own weight. After
24h these specimen were demoulded and were kept in sump tank for curing purpose at room
temperature.

Fig 3.2 sonication of Nano-silica

3.5 Tests Performed
3.5.1 Tests in fresh state of concrete.
A concrete is said to be in fresh state when this concrete can be moulded in any shape and during
this stage concrete is in plastic state. It includes workability, setting time, bleeding and
segregation, air entrainment etc. Workability of concrete depends on water-cement ratio, quantity
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and type of aggregates, quantity and type of cement, temperature, fine to coarse aggregate ratio
etc. setting time is dependent on water to binder ratio, type of cement and admixture used, weather
conditions, amount of cement and aggregates etc.
Workability of concrete was checked by slump flow diameter, T50 slump flow time, L-box and
V-funnel test.
3.5.1.1 Slump flow and T50 Slump: In Slump flow, when concrete flows on slump table, flowing
factor is the mean diameter of two measured perpendicular diameters as shown in figure.It should
lie between 650mm and 800mm [efnarc 2002]. When concrete flows over slump table to a
diameter of 500mm, the time taken by this concrete gives T 50 slump value which should lie
between 2sec- 5sec for housing applications and 3sec to 7sec for civil engineering applications
[efnarc 2002]. Slump flow and T50 slump shows filling ability of concrete.

Fig 3.3 slump test Procedure

1. Take slump table of rectangular shape and mark 500mm diameter at the center of the table.
2. Place the Abrams cone on the table from the smaller diameter, oil it before placing.
3. Fill the cone with concrete by trowel without tamping
4. Strike off and Remove the surplus concrete at the top and bottom of cone respectively.
5. Let the concrete flow freely by raising the cone vertically
6. Simultaneously start stop watch and note down time taken by concrete to reach 500mm
diameter, gives you T50 slump.
7. Measure two perpendicular diameters and take the average of two, gives you slump flow
diameter.

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 Fig 3.4 slump flow measure

3.5.1.2 L-Box test: In L-Box test concrete passes through vertical reinforced bars and the height
attained by SCC passing through these bars are measured. The ratio of h 2/h1 as shown in figure
below is limited to 0.8 to 1. L-Box test of concrete shows passing ability of concrete. Procedure:
1. Place the L-box on ground and level it if required.
2. Oil inside walls of the box and close the sliding gate after ensuring that it can be opened
freely.
3. Pour concrete in vertical section and wait for one minute
4. Allow the concrete to flow through reinforced bars into horizontal section by lifting
sliding gate.
5. Measure two heights as shown in figure after concrete stops flowing, gives you passing
ability of concrete.
3.5.1.3 V-Funnel test: V-funnel test gives filling ability of concrete. It is time taken by concrete,
when light is seen from above through the funnel. According to EFNARC 2002 recommended
range for V-funnel is from 6sec to 12 sec.
Procedure
1. Place V-funnel on ground and level it if required.
2. Oil it well and remove any surplus water
3. Keep the trap door close and place a bucket under it.
4. Fill the funnel with concrete without tamping and wait for 10sec.
5. Open trap door and simultaneously start stop watch.
6. Note down time when light is seen from above through the funnel.

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 Fig 3.5 apparatus for workability check

3.5.2 Tests in hardened state of concrete.

Hardened properties of concrete is that stage when concrete starts gaining its strength. Hardened
properties of concrete may include compressive strength, split tensile and flexural strength,
modulous of elasticity, permeability of concrete. But we often focus on compressive strength of
concrete, as concrete is used for compressive loads and all other properties are related to
compressive strength. Compressive strength, split tensile strength, flexural strength of specimen
were checked after 7, 14, 28 and 56days.

Fig 3.6 Compression test.

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Load was applied slowly at the rate of 140 kg/sq. cm/min. it was a digital machine which were
showing the peak load as well compressive strength due to that load by itself. It was concluded
that compressive strength increases upto 4% and then it decreases, but still have more
compressive strength as compared to mix incorporated with 3% Nano-silica. Increase in
compressive strength can be attributed by the reaction mechanism of Nano-silica.
Pozzolanic reaction:
When water-cement reaction takes place a huge amount of calcium-hydroxide crystals are
produced. These Crystals are hexagonal crystals which exists between the transition area of
cement paste matrix and aggregates and are harmful for concrete as these create voids in the
concrete. Nano-silica, having high surface area, is very reactive, and Produces Calcium-
SilicateHydrate condensed gel. Therefore, in the pozzolanic reaction, Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate
gel increases and calcium-hydroxide crystals decreases. Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate fills empty
spaces present in concrete which leads to increase in strength.
Water + cement → calcium-hydroxide + C-S-H (calcium-silicate-hydrate).
Calcium-hydroxide + Nano-silica → calcium-silicate-hydrate.
Nano-filling property
During hydration process calcium-hydroxide crystals is produced which causes voids in the
concrete. Nano particles fills the voids in Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate gel and hence results a denser
Cement paste.
Formula used.
Compressive strength = load / area
Generally we measure compressive strength in terms of mega Pascal (Mpa) 1
Mpa = N/mm2.
Load = X * 1000 = X 1000 N.
Where X is load in KN.
Area of cube is 150 * 150 = 22500 mm2.
3.5.2.2 Tensile strength.
We know that concrete is weak in tension and is strong in compression. Tensile stresses may
develop due to drying shrinkage, steel rusting, temperature gradient and so on. That is why, we
should know about tensile strength of concrete. Split tensile strength of concrete incorporated
with Nano-silica depends on reaction mechanism of Nano-silica. Tests were conducted as per IS

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516:1999 after 7 days, 14 days, 28 days and 56 days of curing. For tensile strength cylinders of
150mm diameter and 300mm height were used. Before placing the specimen in the machine, the
surface of specimen were cleaned properly. Two plates were also placed, one below the specimen
and other above the specimen to balance the specimen. Loads were applied at the rate of
140kg/sq.cm/min. load at which failure occurred was noted down.
Formulas used to calculate tensile strength.
T.S = 2 * P / Π D L
Where P is compressive load
D is diameter of cylinder
L is length of specimen

Fig 3.7 tensile test

Two point loading was applied on the specimen at the rate of 180kg/min. beam was placed in the
machine in such a way that the surface exposed to air during casting is directly placed under the
load. Two rollers are placed at L/3 from their nearest supports so as to distribute the load
uniformly. The failure load of the specimen is recorded.
Formula used
F.S = P*L/BD2
Where P is failure load
L is span length of the specimen.
B is width of the beam.
D is depth of the beam.

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 CHAPTER 4
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 General:
The basic reason of using Nano-silica was to find its effect on fresh and hardened properties of
concrete. It is revealed from the results that Nano-silica significantly increases compressive,
tensile and flexural strength of Self-Compacting Concrete. It was also revealed that Nano-silica
increases water demand as we go on adding this material. Even though the cost of Nano-silica is
very high but for life long buildings were main motive is its strength properties we can go for
Nano-silica. From previous studies it was revealed that Self-Compacting Concrete is economical
as compared to conventional vibrated concrete, so cost of Nano-silica can be compensated by
using such material. One important thing which I observed during experiments was that the
surface of specimen was very smooth and there was no requirement of any kind of finishing.
4.2 Use of Nano-silica
Nano-silica are also known as silicon dioxide nano particles or silica nano particles. Nano-silica
is very fine material having particle size in the nano range. Cementitious material which is most
referred and used is amorphous silica. According to their structures, nano silica has two types,
one is P-type and second is S-type. The S-type Nano-silica particles have comparatively smaller
surface area. It has been observed that nano-silica used in concrete enhances compressive strength
of concrete and reduces overall permeability of concrete in hardened state of concrete due to
pozzolanic properties of nano-silica, which results in densification of concrete matrix. As
Nanosilica is very fine material, the voids which are there in coarse aggregates are filled by fine
aggregates (sand) and the voids in fine aggregates are filled by cement material used in concrete
and the voids present in cement material are filled by nano-silica additives used in concrete, hence
results in overall densification of concrete matrix.
4.3 Fresh properties of concrete
During experimentation it was observed that as we keep on adding Nano-silica, there is increase
in water demand. Various tests were performed like L-box, V-funnel, slump flow diameter, T50
slump. First I add 1% superplasticizer to reference mix and all the above mentioned tests were
performed and it was revealed from the results that all the values were in range as mentioned in

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EFNARC. Then I replaced cement by 3% Nano-silica and same quantity of superplasticizer was
used, but there was no flow ability in Self-Compacting Concrete. So I keep on adding
superplasticizer till I got the results in the range mentioned in EFNARC. Same procedure was
repeated for 4% and 5%. Finally I conclude that as we keep on incrementing Nano-silica more
requirement of water which results in decrease in workability of concrete.
Table.1superplasticizer requirement

CHAPTER 5
Conclusion
1. Self-compacting concrete shows more strength properties and is found to be economical
as compared to conventional vibrated concrete
2. It is revealed that nano-silica incorporated in concrete enhance strength properties and
workability as well.
3. It is observed that compressive strength increases in mixs incorporated with Nano-silica
upto 4% and then it decreases at 5% but is still more than reference mix and mix
incorporated with 3% Nano-silica.
4. It is revealed that split tensile and flexural strength increases in concrete incorporate with
nano-silica upto 4% and then it decreases at 5% but is still more than reference mix and
mix incorporated with 3% Nano-silica.
5. The reason behind increase in strength is its nano-filling nature and pozzolanic reaction
of Nano-silica, by which calcium-silicate-hydrate gel is produced which fills the voids.
The fact behind decrease in strength is that, at 5% there is agglomeration form of concrete
by which unstable balls are formed which results in decrease in strength.

REFERENCES
[1] G. Quercia, P. Spiesz, G. Husken, H.J.H. Brouwers SCC modification by use of amorphous
nano-silica, Cement & Concrete Composites,2014.
[2] Arya P Nair, Mohammed asim, department of Civil Engineering TKM College of
Engineering Kollam, India, Effect of nano silica on the strength and durability properties of
glass fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete, 2014.

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[3] Morteza H. Beigi, Javad Berenjian , Omid Lotfi Omran , Aref Sadeghi Nik, Iman M. Nikbin,
An experimental survey on combined effects of fibers and nano-silica on the mechanical,
rheological, and durability properties of self-compacting concrete, 2013.
[4] George Quercia, Przemek Spiesz, Gotz Husken, Jos Brouwers, Effects of amorphous
nanosilica additions on mechanical and durability performance of SCC mixtures, 2012.
[5] A.A. Maghsoudi, Assistant professor, department of civil engineering, Shahid Bonahur
university, Kerman, Iran and F. Arabpour Dahooei, M.Sc. student of coastal and offshore
structures Engineering , department of civil engineering, Hormozgan university,
Bandarabbas, Iran, Effect of nano scale materials in engineering properties of performance
self-compacting concrete, 2010.
[6] Mostafa Jalal, Ali Reza Pouladkhan, Ali Akbar Ramezanianpour, Hassan. Norouzi, Effects
of silica nano-powder and silica fume on rheology and strength of high strength self –
compacting concrete, 2012.
[7] Sanga Kranthi Kumar, Influence of Nano-Silica on the Strength and Durability of Self
Compacting Concrete, July 2015.
[8] A.Lazaro and H. J. H. Brouwers, Nano-silica production by a sustainable process;
Application in building materials, June 2010.

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