Application of nano-silica in concrete

This report presents the achievements of the 2012 third quarter focusing on the application of nS in concrete. In this context, nano-silica precipitated from the olivine dissolution in acid (OnS) and nano-silica sludge (nSS) were used for the experimental work. The activities performed include: a) Study of the effects of admixtures on cement/nano-silica pastes applying isothermal calorimetric measurements to assess changes in the hydration kinetics caused by the volumetric substitutions of cement. b)Completion of studies to determine the effect of nSS as a cement replacement in self compacting concrete (SCC). The aim of the aforementioned activities was to investigate the main characteristics and the behavior of the olivine nano-silica and its interaction with the cement paste. These activities were based on the reported project plan and other extra activities requested by the partners involved in the project. Some general conclusions and recommendations have been drawn from these results.