Nano-silica in Holcim general use cement mortars: A comparative study with traditional and prefabricated mortars

Mohammadfarid Alvansazyazdi, Jorge Figueroa, Alex Paucar, Gilson Robles, Majid Khorami, Pablo M. Bonilla-Valladares, Alexis Debut and Mahdi Feizbahr

Abstract

Nano-silica's growing use in construction, known for enhancing strength and durability by reducing porosity, drives this research's significance, especially considering Ecuador's reliance on cement in construction. A comprehensive comparative study on mortars made with General Use cement and aggregates from Pifo and San Antonio quarries has been studied. It explores the impact of incorporating nano-silica in varying proportions (0.75%, 1.00%, 1.25%) on mortar properties, contrasting them with conventional and prefabricated mortars. laboratory Testing is conducted according to standards to assess both fresh and hardened state properties, and microscopic analysis reveals the optimal nano-silica proportion's effects on mortar characteristics. Results shows that Incorporating 0.75% nano-silica resulted in a 61% increase in compressive strength at 7 days and. For a nanosilica content of 1.25%, a 14% increase in compressive strength was observed at 28 days in relation to the conventional mortar and the permeability of the mortar decreased by 30% when adding 0.75% nanosilica. It discusses economic viability and provides insights through SEM and EDS analyses. Overall, it underscores nano-silica's potential to enhance mortar properties and its relevance in creating more efficient and durable construction materials.

Key Words

concrete additives; Holcim GU Cement; mortar; nano-materials; nano-silica; properties in plastic and hardened states; surface microscopic characterization

Address

(1) Mohammadfarid Alvansazyazdi: Institute of Science and Concrete Technology, ICITECH, Universitat Politècnica de València, Spain; (2) Mohammadfarid Alvansazyazdi, Jorge Figueroa, Alex Paucar, Gilson Robles: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Civil Engineering, Central University of Ecuador, Av. Universitaria, Ecuador; (3) Mohammadfarid Alvansazyazdi: Faculty of Engineering, Industrial and Architecture, School of Civil Engineering, Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabi University, Manta, Ecuador; (4) Majid Khorami: Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of UTE, Calle Rumipamba S/N y Bourgeois, Quito, Ecuador; (5) Pablo M. Bonilla-Valladares: Faculty of Chemical Sciences, Central University of Ecuador, Francisco Viteri s/n and Gilberto Gato Sobral, Quito 170521, Ecuador; (6) Alexis Debut: Department of Life Sciences and Agriculture, Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, University of the Armed Forces ESPE, Ecuador; (7) Mahdi Feizbahr: School of Civil Engineering, Engineering Campus, University Sains Malaysia, Nibong Tebal, Penang, Malaysia.

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