Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures
High-performance concrete (HPC) is currently widely used in water-related structures. The incorporation of nano-silica (nano-SiO<sub>2</sub>, NS) can further refine its pore structure, thereby enhancing the compressive strength and durability of HPC without necessitating a reduction in t...
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2025-01-01
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| author | Weiwei Zhang Guo Yang Wenrong Yun Jinghao Li Jun Xie Wenbo Wu Zhixuan Deng |
| author_facet | Weiwei Zhang Guo Yang Wenrong Yun Jinghao Li Jun Xie Wenbo Wu Zhixuan Deng |
| author_sort | Weiwei Zhang |
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| description | High-performance concrete (HPC) is currently widely used in water-related structures. The incorporation of nano-silica (nano-SiO<sub>2</sub>, NS) can further refine its pore structure, thereby enhancing the compressive strength and durability of HPC without necessitating a reduction in the water-to-binder (w/b) ratio. However, the addition of nano-materials significantly increases the autogenous shrinkage (AS) of concrete, leading to elevated tensile stresses and making the concrete more susceptible to early-age cracking. To mitigate AS, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can be introduced to internally cure the concrete, thereby improving the internal relative humidity (IRH) and reducing the AS in NS-reinforced concrete. In this study, we experimentally investigate the setting behavior, pore structure, compressive strength, IRH, and AS properties of concrete with a w/b of 0.3, incorporating both NS and SAP. The results demonstrate that the addition of NS advances setting time, significantly densifies the pore structure, markedly enhances compressive strength, accelerates the decline in IRH, and increases AS strain. Conversely, the incorporation of SAP exhibits opposite effects on these properties, particularly in substantially mitigating AS strain. The combined incorporation of 1.5% NS and 0.15% (or 0.30%) SAP achieves both higher compressive strength and lower AS strain compared to plain concrete at 28 days. These findings suggest that the simultaneous introduction of NS and SAPs into concrete formulations is recommended to achieve an optimal balance between shrinkage and strength properties. Such advancements are particularly beneficial for applications in hydraulic and water-related structures, where enhanced durability and reduced cracking are critical for maintaining structural integrity and ensuring longevity. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-7db390089dd9491dbd9832b94c8f31d5 |
| institution | OA Journals |
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| series | Buildings |
| spelling | doaj-art-7db390089dd9491dbd9832b94c8f31d52025-08-20T02:12:40ZengMDPI AGBuildings2075-53092025-01-0115337410.3390/buildings15030374Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related StructuresWeiwei Zhang0Guo Yang1Wenrong Yun2Jinghao Li3Jun Xie4Wenbo Wu5Zhixuan Deng6College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, ChinaCollege of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, ChinaWujin District River and Lake Management Office, Changzhou 213159, ChinaSchool of Civil Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, ChinaNanjing Electric Power Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., Nanjing 210036, ChinaCollege of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, ChinaCollege of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Hohai University, Nanjing 210098, ChinaHigh-performance concrete (HPC) is currently widely used in water-related structures. The incorporation of nano-silica (nano-SiO<sub>2</sub>, NS) can further refine its pore structure, thereby enhancing the compressive strength and durability of HPC without necessitating a reduction in the water-to-binder (w/b) ratio. However, the addition of nano-materials significantly increases the autogenous shrinkage (AS) of concrete, leading to elevated tensile stresses and making the concrete more susceptible to early-age cracking. To mitigate AS, superabsorbent polymers (SAPs) can be introduced to internally cure the concrete, thereby improving the internal relative humidity (IRH) and reducing the AS in NS-reinforced concrete. In this study, we experimentally investigate the setting behavior, pore structure, compressive strength, IRH, and AS properties of concrete with a w/b of 0.3, incorporating both NS and SAP. The results demonstrate that the addition of NS advances setting time, significantly densifies the pore structure, markedly enhances compressive strength, accelerates the decline in IRH, and increases AS strain. Conversely, the incorporation of SAP exhibits opposite effects on these properties, particularly in substantially mitigating AS strain. The combined incorporation of 1.5% NS and 0.15% (or 0.30%) SAP achieves both higher compressive strength and lower AS strain compared to plain concrete at 28 days. These findings suggest that the simultaneous introduction of NS and SAPs into concrete formulations is recommended to achieve an optimal balance between shrinkage and strength properties. Such advancements are particularly beneficial for applications in hydraulic and water-related structures, where enhanced durability and reduced cracking are critical for maintaining structural integrity and ensuring longevity.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/3/374hydraulic structuresnano-SiO<sub>2</sub>superabsorbent polymerscompressive strengthpore structureautogenous shrinkage |
| spellingShingle | Weiwei Zhang Guo Yang Wenrong Yun Jinghao Li Jun Xie Wenbo Wu Zhixuan Deng Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures Buildings hydraulic structures nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> superabsorbent polymers compressive strength pore structure autogenous shrinkage |
| title | Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures |
| title_full | Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures |
| title_fullStr | Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures |
| title_full_unstemmed | Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures |
| title_short | Combined Impact of Nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> and Superabsorbent Polymers on Early-Age Concrete Engineering Properties for Water-Related Structures |
| title_sort | combined impact of nano sio sub 2 sub and superabsorbent polymers on early age concrete engineering properties for water related structures |
| topic | hydraulic structures nano-SiO<sub>2</sub> superabsorbent polymers compressive strength pore structure autogenous shrinkage |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-5309/15/3/374 |
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