Concrete Incorporating Nanosilica Cured under Freezing Temperatures Using Conventional and Hybrid Protection Methods
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33, Issue 4
Abstract
Ultrafine nanosilica particles have the potential to produce concrete under low temperatures. In this study, nanomodified concrete was cured under freezing temperatures ( and ) using insulation blankets without or with phase change material as conventional and hybrid protection methods, respectively. Six mixtures, incorporating general use and high early strength cements, fly ash (20%), nanosilica (6%), and cold weather admixture system (antifreeze/accelerator), were tested. The mixtures were assessed based on setting times, compressive strength, fluid absorption, and resistance to frost damage in water and salt solution. Moreover, thermogravimetric and mercury intrusion porosimetry were conducted to assess the hydration and microstructural development of concrete under these freezing temperatures. The nanomodified concrete protected by the hybrid system, even with the presence of 20% Class F fly ash, indicated improved hardening, mechanical, and durability performance; thus, such a mix design and protection method might present a viable option for concrete applications in cold conditions down to .
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Data Availability Statement
Some or all of the data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request (internal temperature evolution and calcium hydroxide content of the studied mixtures).
Acknowledgments
The authors highly appreciate the financial support from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, City of Winnipeg, and University of Manitoba Graduate Fellowship and GETS program. The IKO Construction Materials Testing Facility at the University of Manitoba, at which these experiments were conducted, has been instrumental to this research.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 33 • Issue 4 • April 2021
Copyright
© 2021 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jun 11, 2020
Accepted: Sep 14, 2020
Published online: Jan 29, 2021
Published in print: Apr 1, 2021
Discussion open until: Jun 29, 2021
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