Influence of Using Nano-Clay Hydrophilic Bentonite on Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Abstract

The properties of concrete are strongly influenced by its microstructure. The addition of nano-clay to cement can control the calcium-silicate hydrate reaction, leading to improvements in the mechanical properties. So, in this study, the effect of adding hydrophilic nano-clay on the concrete fresh and hardened properties of Portland cement mortar was investigated. The main objective of this research is to figure out the optimum replacement percentage of cement by nano clay that gives the highest compressive strength and flexural strength. Four percentages of nano clay were used to replace cement content by 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7%. The tests conducted in this study were compressive strength and flexural strength for 7 and 28 days of moist curing, and the load deflection curve of each concrete mix was drawn. Absorption and specific gravity were determined for all concrete mortar samples with nano-clay of different percentages. The results showed that the compressive strength and the flexural strength of the concrete mortars with nano-clay were higher than the control sample. The highest enhancement in both compressive strength and flexural strength of mortar was when using 3% nano-clay to replace Portland cement.