| In this research study, transport properties of various self-consolidating concretes (SCCs) containing nano-particles (SiO2) were investigated. Nano-silica replaced a portion of the cementitious materials at different replacement levels ranging from 1.5 to 7.5% by weight. For the purpose of this investigation, flow, bulk, and transport properties of SCCs were studied. The investigated transport properties were absorption, water penetration, rapid chloride permeability, capillary absorption, rapid migration, and chloride diffusion. Transport properties of nano-silica SCCs were also compared to those of equivalent silica fume (micro silica) contained concretes, as well as those of control mixture (concrete without nano or micro silica).;Test results showed that all transport properties of SCCs improved with inclusion of nano-silica. Improvement in transport properties increased with increases of nano-silica replacing a portion of cementitious materials, as well as extension of curing age. A comparison of transport properties between nano-silica contained SCCs and their equivalent silica fume (micro silica) contained SCCs revealed a slightly better performance for concretes containing silica fume at both studied curing ages. This finding was primarily attributed to agglomeration of nano-silica particles during mixing process. |
