• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.243-257
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• 2017

Investigating the properties and durability of high-strength concrete exposed to sulfuric acid attack for the purpose of its application in structures exposed to this acid is of outmost importance. In this research, the resistance and durability of high-strength concrete containing macro-polymeric or steel fibers together with the pozzolans of silica fume or nano-silica against sulfuric acid attack are explored. To accomplish this goal, in total, 108 high-strength concrete specimens were made with 9 different mix designs containing macro-polymeric and steel fibers at the volume fractions of 0.5, 0.75, and 1.0%, as well as the pozzolans of silica fume and nano-silica with the replacement levels of 10 and 2%, respectively. After placing the specimens inside a 5% sulfuric acid solution in the periods of 7, 21, and 63 days of immersion, the effect of adding the fibers and pozzolans on the compressive properties, ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), and weight loss of high-strength concrete was investigated and the respective results were compared with those of the reference specimens. The obtained results suggest the dependency of the resistance and durability loss of high-strength concrete against sulfuric acid attack to the properties of fibers as well as their fraction in concrete volume. Moreover, compared with using nano-silica, using silica fume in the fibrous concrete mix leads to more durable specimens against sulfuric acid attack. Finally, an optimum solution for the design parameters where the crushing load of high-strength fibrous concrete is maximized was found using response surface method (RSM).

• Advances in nano research
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• v.16 no.3
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• pp.217-229
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• 2024

This paper presents results of visual analysis of cracks formation and propagation of concretes made of quaternary binders (QBC). A composition of the two most commonly used mineral additives, i.e. fly ash (FA) and silica fume (SF) in combination with nanosilica (nS), has been proposed as a partial replacement of the cement. The principal objective of the present study is to achieve information about the effect of simultaneous incorporation of three pozzolans as partial replacement to the OPC on the fracture processes in concretes made from quaternary binders (QBC). The modern and precise non-contact measurement method (NCMM) via digital image correlation (DIC) technique was used, during the studies. In the course of experiments it was established that the substitution of OPC with three pozzolans including the nanoadditive in FA+SF+nS FA+SF+nS combination causes a clear change of brittleness and behavior during fractures in QBCs. It was found that the shape of cracks in unmodified concrete was quasi-linear. Substitution of the binder by SCMs resulted in a slight heterogeneity of the structure of the QBC, including only SF and nS, and clear heterogeneity for concretes with the FA additive. In addition, as content of FA rises throughout each of QBC series, material becomes more ductile and shows less brittle failure. It means that an increase in the FA content in the concrete mix causes a significant change in fracture process in this composite in comparison to concrete with the addition of silica modifiers only.

• Journal of Electrochemical Science and Technology
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• v.12 no.4
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• pp.440-452
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• 2021

Enhancement of durability and reduction of maintenance cost of concrete, with the implementation of various approaches, has always been a matter of concern to researchers. The integration of pozzolans as a substitute for cement into the concrete is one of the most desirable technique. Silica fume (SF) and colloidal nanosilica (CS) have received a great deal of interest from researchers with their significant performance in improving the durability of concrete. The synergistic role of the micro and nano-silica particles in improving the main characteristics of cemented materials needs to be investigated. This work aims to examine the utility of partial substitution of cement by SF and CS in binary and ternary blends in the improvement of the durability characteristics linked to resistance for electrochemical corrosion using electrical resistivity and half-cell potential analysis and chloride penetration trough rapid chloride penetration test. Furthermore, the effects of this silica mixture on the compressive strength of concrete under normal and aggressive environment have also been investigated. Based on the maximum compression strength of the concrete, the optimal cement substituent ratios have been obtained as 12% SF and 1.5% CS for binary blends. The optimal CS and SF combination mixing ratios has been obtained as 1.0% and 12% respectively for ternary blends. The ternary blends with substitution of cement by optimal percentage of CS and SF exhibited decreased rate for electrochemical corrosion. The strength and durability studies were found in consistence with the microstructural analysis signifying the beneficiary role of CS and SF in upgrading the performance of concrete.

• Journal of the Korean Geosynthetics Society
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.1-7
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• 2021

In response to the carbon emission reduction trends and the depletion of natural sand caused by the use of cement in construction works, graphene oxide and porous feldspar were applied as countermeasures in this study. By using (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane-functionalized graphene oxide with enhanced bond characteristics, a concrete specimen was prepared with 5% less cement content than that in a standard mortar mix, and the compressive strengths of the specimens were examined. The compressive strengths of the specimen with (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane-functionalized graphene oxide and porous feldspar and the specimen with standard mixing were 26MPa and 28MPa, respectively, showing only a small difference. In addition, both specimens met the compressive strength of cement mortar required for geotechnical structures. It is believed that a reasonable level of compressive strength was maintained in spite of the lower cement content because the high content of pozzolans, namely SiO₂ and Al₂O₃, in the porous feldspar enhanced the reactions with Ca(OH)₂ during hydration, the nano-sized graphene surface acted as a reactive surface for the hydration products to react actively, and the strong covalent bonding of the carboxyl functional group increased the bonding strength of the hydration products.