Evaluation of energy absorption capability in fiber reinforced self-compacting concrete containing nano-silica particles

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Abstract

Studies show that addition of different fibers does not fundamentally change the behavior of the concrete prior to its maximum stress while it greatly improves the concrete post-cracking behavior. This method positively influences other properties of the concrete including toughness, fracture energy and flexural strength. On the other hand, Using Nano-silica particles as a product of pozolanic reaction, can strongly improve the permeability of concrete by increasing transition layer of fiber and cement matrix. Thus concrete having the properties of both self compacting concrete and fiber reinforced concrete with strengthened micro matrices can improve the fabrication of durable structures with high performance level. In this research, the combined effect of nano-silica particles and fibers type (steel, polypropylene and glass) on toughness, fracture energy and flexural strength, rheological behavior (L-box, slump flow and T50) of Self-Compacting concrete were evaluated.For this purpose, forty mixtures in A, B, C and D series representing 0, 2, 4 and 6 percent of Nano-silica particles replacing cement content were cast. Each series involved three different fiber type and content. 0.2, 0.3 and 0.5% volume for steel fiber, 0.1, 0.15 and 0.2% of volume for polypropylene fiber and finally 0.15, 0.2 and 0.3% of volume for glass fiber. The results show that the combined usage of optimum percent of fiber and Nano-silica particles will improve the toughness, fracture energy and flexural strength of self-compacting concrete.

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