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Next-Generation Nano-based Concrete Construction Products: A Review

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Nanotechnology in Civil Infrastructure

Abstract

Nanotechnology in the construction industry ranked eighth out of ten most significant areas of applications. Although nano-products are costly, the research in nano-technology is gaining momentum with the motivation of immediate profitable return from high value products. This chapter documents potential nano-products that can improve the performance and durability of concrete with high service life. Nano-products have the ability to manipulate structure at the nanometer scale, which leads to the generation of tailored, multifunctional, cementitious composites with superior mechanical performance and durability having a range of novel properties such as: low electrical resistivity, self-sensing capabilities, self-cleaning, self-healing, high ductility, and self-control of cracks. This chapter covers the primary areas of nano-engineering and nano-modifications of cementitious systems such as (i) incorporation of nano-scale spherical materials (e.g., nano-SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3 etc.) and nano-tubes or fibers [(carbon nano-tube (CNT) and carbon nano-fibers (CNF)] and nano-clay into cementitious materials during mixing, (ii) application of nano-porous thin film on aggregate surfaces before concrete mixing in order to improve interfacial transition zone (ITZ) in concrete, (iii) nano-engineering of concrete pore solution and controlled release of chemical admixtures, (iv) improve the workability in self-consolidated concrete (SCC), (v) further improvement of reactive powder concrete (RPC), (vi) applications in building materials, (vii) nanotechnology based devices etc. The discussion for each area of application covers (i) research findings by different researchers / agencies, (ii) possible mechanisms of improvement, (iii) potential areas of applications. Finally, challenges and future direction of nano-based products in construction field is briefly described.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. CE/TTI 508D, Materials and Pavement, Texas Transportation Institute, Texas A&M University, College Station Texas, 77845

    Anal K. Mukhopadhyay

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  1. Anal K. Mukhopadhyay
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Iowa State University , 353 Town, 50011, Ames, IA, USA

    Kasthurirangan Gopalakrishnan

  2. Swedish Royal Institute of Technology, (KTH), Kungl Tekniska Högskolan , SE-100 44, Stockholm, Sweden

    Bjorn Birgisson

  3. National Center for Concrete Pavement Technology (CP Tech Center), Iowa State University, 353 Town, 50011, Ames, IA, USA

    Peter Taylor

  4. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Delaware, 19716, Newark, DE, USA

    Nii O. Attoh-Okine

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Mukhopadhyay, A.K. (2011). Next-Generation Nano-based Concrete Construction Products: A Review. In: Gopalakrishnan, K., Birgisson, B., Taylor, P., Attoh-Okine, N.O. (eds) Nanotechnology in Civil Infrastructure. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-16657-0_7

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