1

CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1. GENERAL
Concrete is one of the prime materials for structures and it is widely used
for various applications all over the world. Aggregates and cement play a major role
in concrete. In India there is a great shortage of natural aggregates. Production of
cement liberates same amount of carbon dioxide which is the great cause of ozone
depletion. This effect creates a question on the sustainability of concrete. In order to
make concrete a sustainable material, suitable engineering approaches can be done.

Apart from this waste generation has increased considerably and find no way
for disposal. In order to overcome this, industrial and agro- waste materials can be
used as alternate building materials. In this present study I made an attempt by
utilizing industrial waste such as silica fume (micro silica) and nanosilica as suitable
substitutes in concrete.

1.2 APPLICATION OF SILICA FUME AS A PARTIAL REPLACEMENT

OF CEMENT
Silica fume, also known as micro silica, is an amorphous (non-crystalline)
polymorph of silicon dioxide, silica. It is an ultrafine powder collected as a by-
product of the silicon and ferrosilicon alloy production and consists of spherical
particles with an average particle diameter of 150 nm. The main field of application
is as pozzolanic material for high performance concrete. Increased cohesiveness of
the fresh concrete, which can lead to improved handling characteristics. Curing, can
start earlier as there is no need to wait for bleed water to dissipate. (Bleeding is a
form of segregation where the solid components of the concrete settle downwards,
leaving water on the top surface. It continues until the cement paste has stiffened
 2

enough to end the settling process)High early strength (in excess of 25 N/mm2 at 24
hours).The dense microstructure of concrete containing silica fume leads to major
improvements in mechanical performance and resistance to chemicals (such as
acids, fuel oil, chlorides and sulfates)

Silica fume is ideally suited to the most demanding applications, such as

concrete slipways, dam spillways and hard standings, where chloride, chemical or
abrasion resistance are required. Silica fume concretes have performed well under
these circumstances, as they are chemically stable and have very low permeability.
Silica fume can be used as an ingredient in high performance concretes containing
micro-fibers to combat explosive spalling during exposure to fire. A properly
designed silica fume high performance concrete containing micro-fibers with a low
water/cement ratio will outperform conventional concretes in terms of resistance to
spalling during fire.

1.3 ADVANTAGES OF USING SILICA FUME

 High early compressive strength

 High tensile flexural strength and modulus of elasticity
 Very low permeability to chloride and water intrusion
 Enhanced durability
 Increased toughness
 Increased abrasion resistance on decks, floors, overlays and marine
structures
 Superior resistance to chemical attack from chlorides, acids, nitrates
and sulfates and life-cycle cost efficiencies
 Higher bond strength
 High electrical resistivity and low permeability
1.4 APPLICATION OF NANOSILICA IN CONCRETE

Silicon dioxide, also known as nanosilica is a chemical

compound that is an oxide of silicon with the chemical formula SiO2. It has been
 3

known since ancient times. Silica is most commonly found in nature as quartz, as
well as in various living organisms. In many parts of the world, silica is the major
constituent of sand. Silica is one of the most complex and most abundant families of
materials, existing both as several minerals and being produced synthetically.
Notable examples include quartz, crystal, fumed silica, silica gel, and aerogels.
Applications of nanotechnology have the potential to make breakthrough in
materials technology. Nano-silica application in paste, mortar and concrete is a
good way of enhancing their properties.

Compressive strengths increase with increase in nano-silica content, which

acts as activator to promote hydration and also to improve the microstructure of
cement paste if nano particles were uniformly dispersed. The compressive strength
is enhanced with nano-SiO2 addition, especially at early stages, and the pozzolanic
activity of nano-silica is much greater than that of SF. It was observed that nano-
silica-blended concretes have higher strength as compared to non-blended
concretes. Compressive strength is higher at all stages for nano-silica-blended
concretes.

1.5 ADVANTAGES OF NANO SILICA

 Nanosilica as a partial substitute of cement increases density and

improves performance of concrete. Modulus of elasticity of nano-
silica material concrete may reach about 2 times of the normal
concrete modulus of elasticity.
 The maximum compressive strength of nanosilica concrete at age
of 28 days (10% nanosilica composition) reached 115 MPa
 Concrete with nanosilica ingredient increases the strain and ductility
of the concrete.
 Nanosilica concrete is denser than concrete without nanosilica.
 4

1.6 AIM OF STUDY

In this study, SCM (supplementary cementitious materials), such as nano
silica, micro silica have been evaluated for optimal level of replacement as blending
material in cement and concrete. The aim of this project is to study the properties of
concrete with silica fume, and nanosilica in fresh and hardened state. In this study,
concrete of M20 grade is considered for a W/C ratio of 0.45 and the replacement of
cement by micro silica and nanosilica in different proportions of 0%, 5%, 10% and
0%, 1%, 2% respectively. These concrete mixes are studied for the properties like
density, workability (slump), compressive and split tensile strengths.

1.7 OBJECTIVES
In order to fulfill this study, the following objectives are made.

To study the performance of cement concrete replacing the cement using
micro silica and nanosilica respectively. 

To find the compressive and split tensile strength of concrete. 

To study the properties of concrete.

To study the cost effective of concrete. 
 5

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 GENERAL
Concrete is a most versatile construction material because it is designed to
withstand the harsh environments. Engineers are continually pushing the limits to
improve its performance with the help of innovative chemical admixtures and
supplementary materials. These materials are majority by products from other
processes. The use of these by products not only helps to utilize these waste
materials but also enhances the properties of concrete in fresh and hardened states.
The usage of industrial by-products especially industrial by-products in
making of concrete is an important study of worldwide interest. Many researchers
have investigated the possible use of micro silica and nano silica as a partial
replacement of cement. For this study, some of the important literatures were
reviewed and presented briefly.
2.2 REVIEWS ON LITERATURE
Ping Duan, Chunjie Yan , Wei Zhou (2016) has done a study on “Compressive
strength and microstructure of fly ash based geopolymer blended with silica fume
under thermal cycle”. This paper states that silica fume plays an important role in
the compressive strength even though it increases only by 6.7% when 10% silica
fume is added compared to reference sample. It can be observed that geopolymer
SF30 containing 30% silica fume coupled with 70% fly ash exhibits the highest
compressive strength. The enhancement in compressive strength of SF30 over that
of Reference is 44.1%. It can be concluded that silica fume is suitable for obtaining
rapid strength development in geopolymer. The partial replacement of fly ash by
10%, 20% and 30% of silica fume increases the compressive strength over the
reference sample by 8.7%, 26.6% and 50.2% respectively. Compressive strength of
 6

geopolymer increases with increasing content of silica fume. The addition of silica
fume is suitable for obtaining rapid strength development in geopolymer.
A.Ranjani1, K.Keerthana2, N.K.Amudhavalli (2016) reported a “Study on
effect of micro silica and nano silica in polyester fibre reinforced concrete”. This
study is mainly concentrated on the mechanical characteristics of FRC with partial
replacement of cement by micro silica (2%, 4%, 6%, 8 % and 10%) and nano silica
(0.5%, 1.5%, 1%, 2 %, and 2.5%).The concrete specimen incorporated with 8%
micro silica was found to be good in compression which has compressive strength
of 8% more than that of conventional concrete after 28-days curing period. The
concrete specimen with 2% replacement of cement by nano silica showed higher
compressive strength of 8.55% than the conventional concrete. The compressive
strength get increased up to 10.2%, when combination of 8% micro and 2% nano
silica were used in the concrete. Even though the compressive strength is higher in
the above three cases, addition of polyester fibre to the combination increases the
compressive, split tensile and flexural strength upto 13.05%, 19.74%and 17.85%
respectively.
Saber Fallah, Mahdi Nematzadeh (2016) studied the “Mechanical properties and
durability of high-strength concrete containing macro-polymeric and polypropylene
fibers with nano-silica and silica fume” Nano-silica and silica fume with the weight
percentages of 2and 12%, respectively, exhibit the strongest influence on the
compressive strength of high-strength concrete with the associated improvements of
14.0 and 41.1%, respectively. Furthermore, using 3% nano-silica and 10% silica
fume with an increase of 16.1 and 28.4%, respectively, demonstrates the highest
improvement in the tensile strength.
P.Janani, S.Ganeshkumar, M.Harihananth (2016) has done a study on
“Mechanical Properties of Nano Silica Concrete” In this project three different
concrete mixes have been compared to find the Strength properties of nano silica
concrete. In this, the compressive strength of using 23% replacement of nano silica
to cement increases 32.69% compared to conventional mix, the tensile strength of
using 23% replacement of nano silica to cement increases 24.6% compared to
 7

conventional mix, and the flexural strength of using 23% replacement of nano silica
to cement increases 22% compared to conventional mix.
Mostafa Jalal , Alireza Pouladkhan , Omid Fasihi Harandi , Davoud Jafari
(2015) has done a “Comparative study on effects of Class F fly ash, nano silica and
silica fume on properties of high performance self compacting concrete”. This paper
reviews that increasing the SF content increased the compressive strength
considerably, especially at older ages. Compared to control specimens, replacement
by 10% SF in binary mixtures increased the compressive strength for binder content
of 400 and 500 by 34, 9 and 9%, 9, 21 and 23% at, 7, 28 and 90 days respectively.
Replacement by 2% NS in binary mixtures increased the compressive strength for
binder content of 400 and 500 by 22%,
38% and 43%, 22%, 56% and 62% at 7, 28 and 90 days respectively. Replacement
by 10% SF and 2% NS in ternary mixtures increased the compressive strength for
binder content of 400 and 500 by 62%, 52% and 55%, 30%, 67% and 73% at 7, 28
and 90 days respectively. Generally in binary mixtures, the compressive strength
improvement was higher in the mixtures containing 2% NS and the highest in
ternary mixtures. Generally in all ages (7, 28 and 90 days) ascending trends were
observed in compressive strength
values by increasing the binder content.
Hongjian Du, Suhuan Du, Xuemei Liu (2015) has done a study on “Effect of
nano-silica on the mechanical and transport properties of lightweight concrete”. For
pure cement LWC, compressive strength continues to increase with higher NS
content at each test age. At the first day, an increase of 7.7% and 13.3% was noticed
for 1% and 2% NS addition, respectively. However, this strength improvement was
lowered to be 2.6% and 5.6% at 28-day, indicating that the NS benefits might fade
with longer curing time. For slag cement LWC, 1% and 2% addition of NS could
help increase 12.6% and 9.7% compressive strength on the first day. At 28 days, the
improvement became marginal for 1% NS and 2% NS even slightly reduced the
LWC strength. Overall, the LWC strength was noticeably improved at early age
(within 7 days) and the enhancement was weak at a longer term.
 8

Mehmet Gesoglu,Erhan Güneyisi, Diler Sabah Asaad, Guler Fakhraddin

Muhyaddin(2015) has done study on “Properties of low binder ultra-high
performance cementitious composites: Comparison of nanosilica and
microsilica”.The addition of 2% NS caused compressive strength and modulus of
elasticity by about 8% and 7%, respectively, at 90 days.It was found that the
splitting tensile strength of UHPC developedwith curing time and using NS up to
2%. Adding 0.5%,1%, 2% and 3% NS improved the splitting tensile strength by
2%, 9%, 12% and 8% for the first group and 5%, 14%, 18% and 3% for the second
group respectively, compared to their control concretes.
Satya Jit Parida (2015) studied the compressive strength of concrete with silica
fume at 7days and 28 days. The addition of silica fume was 0, 0.3, 0.6 & 1 % for
M25 grade of concrete. The compressive strength was maximum at 1% addition of
NS In both 7 & 28 days. For 7th day at 1% it was 34.59 MPa & at 28th day it was
39.82 MPa.
Thushara Priyadarshana , Ranjith Dissanayake and Priyan Mendis (2015)
reported in their paper about the “Effects of Nano Silica, Micro Silica, Fly Ash and
Bottom Ash on Compressive Strength of Concrete”. Test results obtained in this
study indicate that up to 5% nano silica, 10% micro silica, 20~30% fly ash and 5%
bottom ash could be advantageously blended with cement without adversely
affecting the strength. However, optimum levels of these materials are 1~3% nano
silica, 3~8% of micro silica, 10% fly ash and 5% bottom ash in the compressive
strengths of Grade-35 concrete mix.
Mohamed Amin , Khaled Abu el-hassan (2014) studied the “Effect of using
different types of nano materials on mechanical properties of high strength
concrete” The optimum dose of nano-silica is 3% by weight and the optimum dose
of Ni ferrite and Cu-Zn ferrite was 2% by weight. The improving percentage of
compressive strength of concrete when nano silica and nano ferrite was added
reaches 21% and 17%, respectively, with respect to the control mixes. With the
addition of nano silica and nano ferrite the improving percentage of splitting tensile
strength of concrete reaches approximate rate of about 44% and 60%, respectively,
 9

with respect to the control mixes. With the addition of nano silica and nano ferrite
the improving percentage of flexural strength and modulus of elasticity of concrete
reaches approximate rate of about 23% and 25%, respectively, with respect to the
control mixes.
M.Iyappan (2014) studied the properties of HSSCC (High strength self compact
concrete) with addition of NS after 7 & 28 days. The addition of nano silica is 0, 5
& 10 %. The maximum increase in compressive strength with nanosilica was at
10% both on 7th And 28th days. On 7th day at 10% the strength was 38.7 MPa and
28th day it was 58.5 MPa. Flexural strength of concrete with the replacement of
cement with nano silica in varying percentage of 0, 5 & 10% respectively. The
maximum strength was obtained with 10% addition of NS. After 7 day at 10% the
strength was 6.9 MPa & at 28th day it was 8.3 MPa.
S.Subbu raj (2014) has done a “Experimental study on concrete by using nano
silica”. In the present study strength properties such as compressive strength, split
tensile strength and flexural strength of M20 grade of concrete with the use of nano
silica (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%) as partial replacement of cement were studied. It was
found from the experimental study that concrete composites with superior
properties can be produced using nano silica. The optimum strength was attained
when 6% of nano silica was added to the concrete with the compressive strength of
35.64MPa at 28 days and it leads to increase in 30% of compression strength 11.7%
of tensile strength and 13% of flexural strength.
S.Tanveen hussian (2013) has done a “study on strength properties of concrete
using Micro silica and nano silica". Mix design of M40 and M50 grades of concrete
with the use of micro silica (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15%) and nano silica (1%, 1.5%, 2%,
2.5%) as partial replacement of cement were studied. Optimum strength were obtain
in 7.5%of micro silica and 2% nano silica optimum strength were 62.35MPa and
71.5MPa for M40 and M50 grades respectively .Further addition of micro silica and
nano silica leads to decrease in compression strength.

Sakshi Gupta (2013)- “Application of silica fume and nanosilica in cement and
concrete”, This paper reviews the recent developments and present state of the
 10

application of silica fume (micro-silica) and nano-silica for sustainable development

of concrete industry. This would save not only the natural resources and energy but
also protect the environment with the reduction of waste material. Limited work is
done on use of nano-silica and micro silica in paste, mortar and concrete and
whatever work is available is highly contradictory about their influence on
mechanical strength development and durability properties. Various literatures have
been reviewed to understand the influence of micro and nano-silica on fresh,
hardened and micro structural properties of paste, cement mortar and concrete.
Taking advantage of nanostructure and microstructure characterization tools and
materials, the simultaneous and also separate optimal use of micro-silica and nano-
silica will create a new concrete mixture that will result in long lasting concrete
structures in the future.
M.Nilia&A.Ehsania (2010) studied the ‘Influence of Nano-SiO2 and Micro silica
on Concrete Performance". In the present work, different content of micro silica and
colloidal nanosilica as partial replacement of cement in the concrete mixture with
0.45 water-cement ratios were used simultaneously. It was concluded that 6% micro
silica and 1.5% nanosilica as partial replacements of cement, improved compressive
strength and electrical resistance and also diminished capillary absorption of the
concrete specimens seriously. The optimum compression strength was found as
64MPa at 28 days and 48MPa at 7 days. A considerable increase in electric resistant
of nano-micro silica specimens was observed compare to reference ones and the
highest value was corresponding to the specimens which contain totally 7.5% nano
and micro silica. The capillary absorption rate decreased to a lowest level, when 3%
micro silica and 1.5% nano silica were used in the mixtures. It seems that when
nanosilica was used at high value in the mixture a slight increase in the capillary
coefficient was observed which is attributed to the agglomeration effect of
nanosilica in the mixtures.
 11

CHAPTER 3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 GENERAL
This chapter briefly explains the methodology which adopted in this
experimental work. It has been discussed in the chapter 2 on literature review about
use of copper slag in concrete and their effect on strength parameters of concrete.
The following methodology has been adopted to achieve objective of this study.
3.2 METHODOLOGY
Basic tests were conducted on various materials like OPC53 grade cement, fine
aggregate, coarse aggregate to check their suitability for making concrete. The mix
proportions of concrete were modified as micro silica (5%, 7.5%, 10%, 15%) and
nano silica (1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%) as partial replacement of cement. The cubes were
cast by replacing Specimens were cast as per mix design and the tests are conducted
after proper curing, the tests are compressive strength of cubes (150mm x 150mm x
150mm) and split tensile strength of cylinders (150mm x 300mm). From the
studies, optimum results are found out. The methodology flow chart is shown in
figure3.1
 Literature survey 12

Collection of materials

Coarse Fine Cement Water Micro Nano

Aggregate Aggregate silica silica

Finding material properties

Preparation of mould for casting of cubes & cylinder

Casting of cubes & cylinder for optimum mix

Curing

Testing

Results and Discussion

Conclusion

Figure 3.1.Methodology flow chart

 13

CHAPTER 4
MATERIALS USED
This chapter discusses the various materials such as Cement, Fine Aggregate,
Coarse Aggregate, Water, Copper slag used for the proposed study.
4.1 CEMENT
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has classified OPC in three different
grades The classification is mainly based on the compressive strength of cement-

sand mortar cubes of face area 50 cm2 composed of 1 part of cement and 3 parts of
standard sand by weight with a water-cement ratio arrived at by a specified
procedure. The grades are (i) 33 grade (ii) 43grade (iii) 53 grade. The grade number

indicates the minimum compressive strength of cement sand mortar in N/mm 2 at 28

days, as tested by above mentioned procedure.
In this project, 53 Grade Ordinary Portland Cement is used.
4.2 FINE AGGREGATE
Aggregate which passed through 4.75mm IS Sieve and retained on 75micron
(0.075mm) IS Sieve is termed as fine aggregate. Fine aggregate is added to concrete
to assist workability and to bring uniformity in mixture. Usually, the natural river
sand is used as fine aggregate. Ordinary river sand conforming IS 383-1970 is used
in this project.

4.3 COARSE AGGREGATE

The coarse aggregate for the works should be river gravel or crushed stone.
The aggregate which passed through 75mm sieve and retain on 4.75mm are known
as coarse aggregate.
It should be hard, strong, dense, durable, clean, and free from clay or loamy
admixtures or quarry refuse or vegetable matter. The pieces of aggregates should be
cubical, or rounded shaped and should have granular or crystalline or smooth (but
 14

not glossy) non-powdery surfaces. Aggregates should be properly screened and if

necessary washed clean before use. Coarse aggregates containing flat, elongated or
flaky pieces or mica should be rejected. The grading of coarse aggregates should be
as per specifications of IS 383-1970. In this project, 20mm size of angular shaped
coarse aggregate is used.
4.4 SILICA FUME
Micro silica or silica fume is the most commonly used mineral admixture in
high strength concrete. It has become the chosen favorites for high strength concrete
and is a good pozzolanic material. It can be used in a big way, adding to the
concrete mix dramatically enhance the workability, strength & impermeability of
concrete mixes while making the concrete durable to chemical attacks, abrasion &
reinforcement corrosion, increasing the compressive strength.
4.5 NANOSILICA
Nanosilica is applied in HPC and SSC concrete mainly as an anti blending
agent. It increases cohesiveness of concrete and segregation tendency. It is used as
additive in eco-concrete mixture and also some explorative.
4.6 WATER
Water is an important ingredient of concrete as it strengthens cement gel, the
quantity and quality of water is required to be looked into very carefully.
Water is used for mixing and curing process and it should be clean and free
from
injurious amount of oils, acids, alkalis, salts, sugar, organic materials or other
substances that may be deleterious to concrete or steel. Portable water is generally
considered satisfactory for mixing concrete. The suspended solid material in the
water shall not exceed 200 mg/l. Mixing and curing with sea water shall not be
permitted. The pH value shall not be less than 6. Water used for curing should not
produce any objectionable strain and unsightly deposit on the concrete surface. In
this project, drinkable ground water from local source is used.
 15

4.7 SUPERPLASTICIZER

A substance which imparts very high workability with a large decrease in

water content (at least 20%) for a given workability. A high range water reducing
admixture (CONPLAST 420) is also referred as Super-plasticizer, which is capable
of reducing water content by about 20 to 40 percent has been developed. These can
be added to concrete mix having a low to normal slump and water cement ratio to
produce high slump flowing concrete. The CONPLAST420 (super-plasticizer) is
used in this experiment for improving workability. Conplast420 is high range water
reducing super plasticizer admixture with set retarding effect to produce free
flowing concrete.

4.8 Mix Proportions for Normal Concrete

Cement = 340 Kg/m3

Fine aggregate = 640 Kg/m3
Coarse aggregate = 1214 Kg/m3
Water – cement ratio = 0.45
Super plasticizer = 6.8 Kg/m3

Table 4.1 Mix Ratio

Cement Fine Aggregate Coarse Aggregate Water Super Plasticizer

1 1.88 3.37 0.45 0.0068

 16

CHAPTER 5
PRELIMINARY TESTS
5.1 CEMENT
5.1.1. Specific gravity
The empty weight of specific gravity bottle was noted as W 1. The specific

gravity bottle was filled with kerosene and weight noted as W4. Some of the

kerosene was taken out and filled with cement and the weight measured as W3.

Weight of bottle with cement as W2 .Table 5.1 shows the specific gravity of
cement.
Table 5.1 Specific Gravity of Cement
S.No Description Trial No.1 Trial No.2 Trial No.3

1 Weight of empty bottle (W1) gm 68 68 68

2 Weight of bottle + cement (W2) gm 178 170 180

3 Weight of bottle + kerosene + 240 230 248

cement (W3) gm

4 Weight of bottle + kerosene (W4) 168 168 168

Gm

5 Specific gravity of cement 2.89 2.9 3.5

Specific gravity of cement = (W2- W1)/[(W2- W1)-(W3-W4)].

Specific gravity of cement = 3.15

 17

5.2 FINE AGGREGATE

5.2.1 Sieve analysis
The sample was brought to an air-dry condition before weighing and
sieving. This was achieved either by drying at room temperature or heating at a

temperature of 10000C to 11000C. The air-dry sample 3 kg was taken and sieved
successively on the appropriate sieves starting with the largest size sieve as stated
in the Table 5.2. Sieving was carried out on a machine not less than 10 minutes
required for each test. Table 5.2 shows the sieve analysis of fine aggregate.
Table 5.2 Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate
Cumulative
IS Sieve Weight Percentage percentage of Cumulative
S.No Retained of weight percentage of
(mm) Weight
(g) Retained passing
Retained

1 4.75 40 4.0 4.0 96

2 2.36 34 3.4 7.4 92.6

3 1.18 203 20.3 27.7 72.3

4 0.80 366.5 36.65 64.35 35.65

5 0.60 247 24.7 89.05 10.95

6 0.30 87.5 8.75 97.8 2.2

7 0.18 16.5 1.65 99.45 0.55

8 Pan 5.5 0.55 100 0

Total cumulative % of weight retained 310.25

Fineness Modulus of Fine aggregate = Total percentage of cumulative/100

Fineness Modulus of Fine aggregate = 3.10

Fine aggregate conforming to zone II as per IS 383-1970.
 18

5.2.2 Specific gravity

The pycnometer was dried thoroughly and weighed as W1. Fill two third part

of pycnometer with sand and was weighed as W2. The pycnometer was filled with
water up to the top without removing the sand. Then it was shaken well and stirred
thoroughly with the glass rod to remove the entrapped air. After the air was
removed, the pycnometer was completely filled with water up to the mark. Then
outside of the pycnometer was dried with a clean cloth and is weighed as W3. The
pycnometer was cleaned thoroughly. The pycnometer was completely filled with
water up to top. Then outside of the pycnometer was dried with a clean cloth and
was weighed as W4. Table 5.3 shows the specific gravity for fine aggregate

Table 5.3 Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate

S. No. Observations Trial No 1 Trial No 2 Trial No 3

1 Wt of empty container W1(gm) 620 620 620

2 Wt of container+sampleW2(gm) 874 882 862

3 Wt of 1592 1602 1610

container+sample+waterW3(gm)

4 Wt of container+waterW4 (gm) 1448 1448 1448

5 Specific Gravity 2.3 2.43 2.42

Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate = (W 2-W 1)/[(W 2-W 1)-(W 3-W 4)]
Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate = 2.38
 19

5.2.3 Water absorption

Take 1000 g of fine aggregate (W1). The sample was filled with water and

kept for 24 hours. After 24 hours immersion, the sample was taken out and dried in
air for getting the saturated surface dry condition (SSD). Then, it was weighed
(W2). Table 5.4 shows the observed reading of water absorption of Fine aggregate.

Table 5.4 Water Absorption of Fine aggregate

S. No. Observations Trial No 1 Trial No 2 Trial No 3

1 Weight of sample taken W1(gm) 1000 1000 1000

Weight of sample in SSD state

2 1009.8 1009 1008.2
W2(gm)

3 Water Absorption 0.98 0.9 0.82

Water absorption = {(W 1-W 2)/W 1)} x 100

Water absorption = 0.9%

5.3 COARSE AGGREGATE

5.3.1 Sieve analysis

The sieve analysis procedure was similar to that of Fine aggregate. In this
test, 2kg of sample was taken. Table 5.5 shows the observed reading of sieve
analysis test on coarse aggregate.
 20

Table 5.5 Sieve Analysis of Coarse Aggregate

Sieve size Weight Percentage Percentage Cumulative

(mm) retained of Weight Weight of percentage of weight

(gm) retained passing Retained

40 0 0 0 200

20 1032.5 103.25 103.25 96.75

12.5 895 89.5 192.75 7.25

10 51.5 5.15 197.9 2.1

4.75 21 2.1 200 0

Total Cumulative percentage of weighted retained 306.1

Fineness Modulus of coarse aggregate = 3.06

5.3.2 Specific gravity
The test procedure was same as that of specific gravity of fine aggregate.
The Table 5.6 shows the observed reading of specific gravity test on coarse
aggregate.
 21

Table 5.6 Specific Gravity Test of Coarse Aggregate

S. No Observations Trial No 1 Trail No 2 Trail No 3

1 Weight of empty container W1 (gm) 458 458 458

2 Weight of container +sample 938 937 1940

W2(gm)

3 Weight of container + sample + 1570 1561 1570

water W3(gm)

4 Weight of container + water W4 1260 1260 1260

(gm)

5 Specific Gravity 2.85 2.81 2.91

Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate = (W2-W1)/[(W2-W1)-(W3-W4)]

Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate = 2.85

 22

5.3.3 Water Absorption

The test procedure was same as that of water absorption of Fine aggregate.
The following observation shows the water absorption test for coarse aggregate.
Table 5.7 shows the observed reading of water absorption on Coarse aggregate.

Table 5.7 Water Absorption of Coarse aggregate

S. No. Observations Trial No 1 Trial No 2 Trial No 3

1 Weight of sample taken W1(gm) 1000 1000 1000

2 Weight of sample in SSD state W2(gm) 1002.5 1003.15 1001.67

3 Water Absorption 0.23 0.315 0.17

Water absorption of coarse aggregate = {(W2-W1/W1)} x 100

Water absorption of coarse aggregate = 0.3%

5.3.4 Impact test on coarse aggregate
The test sample consists of aggregate sized 10.0mm and 12.5mm. the
aggregates passing through 12.5mm sieve and retained on 10mm sieve comprises
the test material. The aggregates are poured to fill about 1/3rd depth of the
measuring cylinder. The measuring cup is placed in position on the base of machine
and compacted by giving 25 gentle strokes with tamping rod. Raise the hammer
until its lower face is 380mm above the surface of aggregates sample in the cup and
allow to fall freely on the aggregate sample. the crushed aggregate is removed from
the cup and sieved through 2.36mm sieve. The fraction passing through the sieve is
weighed. The observations on impact values of coarse aggregate is shown in Table
5.8
 23

Table 5.8 Impact test on Coarse aggregate

S. No. Observations Trial No 1 Trial No 2

1 Weight of sample taken W1(gm) 358 345

2 Weight of sample passing 2.36mm sieveW2(gm) 83 76

3 Water Absorption 23 22

Aggregate Impact Value (percent) = W2 / W1 X 100

Impact value of coarse aggregate= 23%
 24

CHAPTER 6
TESTS ON CONCRETE
6.1 FRESH CONCRETE
6.1.1 General
Fresh concrete or plastic concrete is a freshly mixed material which can be
moulded into any shape. The relative quantities of cement, aggregates and water
mixed together, control the properties of concrete in the wet state as well as in the
hardened state. The following tests are conducted to evaluate the degree of
workability.
6.1.2 Slump test
Slump test is used to determine the workability of fresh concrete and test was
conducted as per IS: 1199 - 1959. The slump test is used widely, primarily because
of the simplicity of the apparatus required and the test procedure. The slump test
indicates the behavior of a compacted concrete under the action of gravitational
forces. The apparatus used for slump test are slump cone and tamping rod. The test
was carried out with a mould called slump cone, and filled in three equal layers of
fresh concrete, each layer being tamped 25 times with a standard tamping rod. The
top layer is struck off level and the mould lifted vertically without disturbing the
concrete cone. The slump measured should be recorded in mm of subsidence of the
specimen during the test. Any slump which collapses or shears off laterally, gives
incorrect result and if this occurs, the test should be repeated.
The internal surface of the mould was thoroughly cleaned and free from
superfluous moisture and adherence of any old set concrete before commencing the
test. The mould was filled in three layers, each layer being tamped 25 times with a
standard tamping rod and taking care was taken to distribute the strokes evenly over
the cross section. After top layer was rodded, the concrete struck off level with a
trowel and the
mould was removed from the concrete immediately by raising it slowly and
 25

carefully in a vertical direction. This allowed concrete to subside. This subsidence is

referred as slump of concrete. The difference in level between the height of the
mould and that of the highest point of the subsided concrete was measured. This
difference in height in mm was noted and it was taken as slump of concrete. The
obtained slump value for normal concrete is 50 mm. This indicates medium
workability. Fig 6.1 shows slump cone apparatus and slump.

Fig 6.1 Slump cone apparatus

Table 6.1 Slump value of concrete using micro silica and nanosilica
Sl.No Specimen Slump value (mm)

1. CC 35

2. M1 38

3. M2 43

4. M3 52

5. M4 60
 26

6.2 HARDENED CONCRETE

6.2.1 General

Fig . 6.2 Test specimens for compression and split tension tests

One of the purposes of testing hardened concrete is to confirm that the

concrete used at site has developed the required strength. Testing of hardened
concrete plays an important role in controlling and confirming the quality of cement
concrete works. Systematic testing of raw materials, fresh and hardened concrete
are inseparable part of any quality control program for concrete, which helps to
achieve higher efficiency of the material used and greater assurance of the
performance of the concrete with regard to both strength and durability. The test
methods should be simple, direct and convenient to apply. The specimen were cast
and cured. The tests for hardened concrete such as compressive strength, split
tensile strength were conducted and the readings were noted.
6.2.2 Compressive strength
The compressive strength test for cubes was conducted in compression

testing machine at the rate of 140 kg/cm2/min as per IS 516 : 1964 and the ultimate
loads were recorded.
 27

The bearing surface of machine was wiped off clean and the surface of the
specimen was cleaned. The specimen was placed in machine and the axis of the
specimen was carefully aligned at the centre of loading frame. The load was applied

at a constant rate of 140 kg/cm2/min until the specimen fails and maximum load
applied was recorded. Fig 7.3 shows the experimental setup for compressive
strength test.
The compression strength was calculated using the formula and the results
are tabulated in Table 7.1 and Table 7.2
Compressive strength = P/A
Where, P – Load in N
A – Area in mm2

Fig 6.3 Compression testing setup

 28

Table 6.2 Compressive strength of concrete using SF and NS at 7th day

Sl.No Specimen Compressive strength (N/mm 2)

1 2 3 Average
1 CC 12.42 13 11.84 12.42

2 M1 12.74 12.16 13.86 12.92

3 M2 12.94 14.17 12.78 13.23

4 M3 13.29 20.22 12.35 15.29

5 M4 8.09 15.6 14.43 12.7

Table 6.3Compressive strength of concrete using copper slag at 28thday

Sl.No Specimen Compressive strength (N/mm2)

1 2 3 Average

1 CC 19.11 20 18.22 19.11

2 M1 19.6 18.7 21.33 20

3 M2 19.6 21.8 19.6 20.33

4 M3 20.44 31.11 19 23.52

5 M4 12.44 24 22.22 19.55

 29

6.2.3 Split tensile strength

The split tensile strength test for cylinders was carried out as per IS
516 : 1964. Specimen was kept horizontally between the loading surfaces of a
universal testing machine and the load was applied until failure of the cylinder.
The failure load was noted and strength was calculated using the following
formula. Fig 7.4 shows the experimental setup for split tensile strength test and
Table 7.5 shows split tensile strength of cylinder.
Split tensile strength, (N/mm2) 2P/πLD

Where, P = Ultimate load (N)

L = Length of cylinder (mm)
D = Diameter of cylinder (mm)

Fig 6.4 Split tensile testing setup and crack pattern

 30

Table 6.4 Split tensile strength of concrete using SF and NS at 28th day

Sl.No Specimen Split tensile strength (N/mm 2)

1 2 3 Average

1 CC 1.89 1.84 1.79 1.84

2 M1 1.842 1.93 1.46 1.74

3 M2 2.29 2.19 2.28 2.26

4 M3 2.89 2.94 2.28 2.69

5 M4 1.98 1.83 1.69 1.83

 31

CHAPTER 7
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
7.1 GENERAL
In this chapter, the results of workability, compressive strength, split tensile
strength and flexural strength obtained from the experimental study are given in the
form of graph and made discussion also.

7.2 WORKABILITY OF CONCRETE

70

60

50
Slump values in mm

40

30

20

10

0
CC M1 M2 M3 M4
Description of Mix

Fig 7.1 Variation of slump value of concrete using SF & NS

Fig 7.1 shows the variation of slump value of concrete using micro silica and
nanosilica. To increase the workability super plasticizer is added upto 2% of
cementitious material.
 32

7.3 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Compressive test is the most common test conducted on hardened
concrete, partly because it is an easy test to perform, the partly because most of the
desirable characteristic properties of concrete are qualitatively related to its
compressive strength. The compressive test is carried out on specimens cubical or
cylindrical in shape. The cube specimen is of the size 150mm x 150mm x 150mm.
The test cube specimens are made as soon as practicable after mixing and such a
way as to produce full compaction of the concrete with neither segregation nor
excessive laitance.

25
Compressive strength (N/mm2)

20

15

7 day
10
28 day

0
CC M1 M2 M3 M4
Description of mix

Fig 7.2 Compressive strength of concrete using SF & NS at 7th & 28thday

Fig 7.2 shows the compressive strength of concrete using copper slag at 7th
and 28th day. The results showed that the compressive strength of concrete is
increased in M3 mix (SF 7.5% and NS 1%), beyond that compressive strength was
decreases due to increases free water content in the mixes. The excessive free water
content in the mixes with silica content causes the bleeding and segregation in
concrete. Therefore, it leads reduction in the concrete strength. The highest
compressive strength was achieved at 7.5% replacement of cement with micro silica
 33

and 1% with nanosilica , which was found about 23.52 N/mm2 which is more than
20% compared to the control mix.
7.4 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH
The tensile strength of concrete is one of the basic and important properties.
Splitting tensile strength test on concrete cylinder is a method to determine the
tensile strength of concrete. The concrete is very weak in tension due to its brittle
nature and is not expected to resist the direct tension. The concrete develops cracks
when subjected to tensile forces. Thus, it is necessary to determine the tensile
strength of concrete to determine the load at which the concrete members may
crack.

2.5
Split tensile stress(N/mm2)

1.5
28 day
1

0.5

0
CC M1 M2 M3 M4
Description of Mix

Fig 7.3 Split tensile strength of concrete using SF & NS at 28th day
Fig 7.3 shows the split tensile strength of concrete using copper slag at 28th
day. The split tensile strength of concrete showed similar behavior to the
compressive strength. The results showed that the split tensile strength is increased
upto 8.5% replacement of fine aggregate using silica fume and nanosilica, beyond
that the split tensile strength value reduced but it more than the split tensile strength
of control mix. The results showed that the replacement of fine aggregate using
copper slag in concrete increases the tensile strength of about 46.20 % with that of
control mixture.
 34

CHAPTER 8
CONCLUSION
Test results obtained in this study indicate that up to 1% nano silica and
7.5% micro silica, could be advantageously blended with cement without adversely
affecting the strength. However, optimum levels of these materials are 1~3% nano
silica, 3~8% of micro silica in concrete mixes.
Based on experimental results, following conclusion are drawn. It was found
that the maximum compressive strength achieved is 23.52 N/mm2 at 7.5% of silica
fume and 1% of nanosilica replacement combination. So this strength is greater than
the control mix and those achieved for concrete mix name of CM, M1, M2, M3 and
M4 is 23 N/mm2,20 N/mm2,20.33 N/mm2,23.52 N/mm2 ,19.55 N/mm2 respectively
as compare to strength of plain cement concrete for 28 days .
The optimum split tension strength was obtained at 7.5% of silica fume and
1% of nanosilica in the replacement of cement as 2.69 N/mm2 which is much
greater than the control mix and those achieved for concrete mix name as CM, M1,
M2, M3 and M4 is 1.84 N/mm2, 1.74 N/mm2, 2.26 N/mm2, 2.69 N/mm2, 1.83 N/mm2
respectively as compare to strength of plain cement concrete for 28 days.
The excess addition of silica fume and nanosilica reduces workability.
However, in some cases it improves the workability. Silica fume inclusion increases
the compressive strength of concrete significantly (6-57%). The increase depends
upon the replacement level.
 35

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(2016),Durability Study Of Concrete Using Nano-Silica,International Journal of
 36

Advanced Research in Civil,Structural,Environmental and Infrastructure

Engineering and DevelopingVolume: 2 .
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Durability Properties of Concrete Influenced by Hybrid Nano Silica and Micro
Zeolite , 2211-8128 © 2015 Published by Elsevier Ltd.
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Muhyaddin (2015), Properties of low binder ultra-high performance cementitious
composites: Comparison of nanosilica and microsilica Elsevier Ltd.
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The effect of nanosilica addition on flowability, strength and transport properties of
ultra high performance concrete , Elsevier Ltd.
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the particle size of nanosilica on the compressive strength and the optimum
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(2011), Mechanical, rheological, durability and micro structural properties of high
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 37

20. Paramita Mondal, Surendra P. Shah, Laurence D. Marks, and Juan J. Gaitero
,Comparative Study of the Effects of Microsilica and Nanosilica in Concrete,
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nano material in concrete: A review, _ 2016 Elsevier Ltd.
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addition on properties of hardened cement paste as compared with silica
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Published by Maney on behalf of the Institute., VOL 109 NO 2.
 38

ANNEXURE A

Mix Design for M20 Grade Concrete

The objective of proportioning concrete is to arrive mix ratio at the most

economical and practical combinations in different ingredients to produce concrete
that will satisfy the performance requirements under specified conditions of use.
This chapter describes the mix design for M20 grade concrete using IS10262:2009.

Stipulations for Proportioning

Grade designation : M 20

Type of cement : OPC 53 grade

Maximum water-cement ratio : 0.5

Workability : 50 mm

Exposure condition : Moderate

Degree of supervision : Good

Maximum nominal size of aggregate : 20 mm

Minimum cement content : 300 Kg/m3

Maximum cement content : 450 Kg/m3

Test Data for Materials

1. Specific gravity of

a) Cement 3.15
b) Fine Aggregate 2.3
c) Coarse Aggregate 2.78
d) volume of air entrapped 2%

2. Sieve Analysis

Fine Aggregate Conforming to grading zone II

 39

Mix Design

Target Strength for Mix Proportioning

Target average compressive strength at 28 days

fck’= fck + 1.65 s

fck- Characteristic compressive strength at 28 days.

From Table 1 of IS 10262 : 2009,

Standard deviation s = 5 N/mm2

Target strength = 20 + (1.65x4)

= 26.6 N/mm2

Selection of Water-Cement Ratio

From Table 5 of IS 456:2000,

Maximum water - cement ratio = 0.55

Adopt water - cement ratio = 0.45

0.450< 0.55, Hence ok.

Selection of Water Content

From Table 2 of IS 10262 : 2009

Maximum water content for 20 mm aggregate = 186 litres

(for 25 to 50 mm slump range)

Using super plasticizer, water content can be reduced upto 20%.

Water content = 186 x 0.8

= 153.28 litres
 40

Calculation of Cement Content

Water Content
Cement content =
Water −Cement ratio
153.28
=
0.45

= 340 kg/m3

From Table 5 of IS 456: 2000,

Minimum cement content = 300 Kg/m3

340 Kg/m3> 300 Kg/m3 Hence ok.

Proportion of Coarse Aggregate and Fine Aggregate

From Table 3 of IS 10262 : 2009 ,

Volume of coarse aggregate corresponding to

20 mm size aggregate and fine aggregate (zone II) for water-cement ratio of 0.4 =
0.62

For water-cement ratio 0.38,

Corrected proportion of volume of coarse aggregate = 0.62

Volume of fine aggregate = 1- 0.62 = 0.38

Mix Calculations

a) Volume of concrete = 1m3

Mass of cement 1
b) Volume of cement = ×
Specific Gravity of cement 1000

340 1
= ×
3.15 1000

= 0.108 m3
 41

Mass of Water 1
c) Volume of water = ×
Specific Gravity of Water 1000
153 1
= ×
1 1000

= 0.153 m3

d) Volume of chemical admixture

(2.0 percent by mass of cementitious material)

Mass of chemical admixtue 1

= ×
Specific Gravity of admixture 1000

6.8 1
= × = 0.006 m3
1.145 1000

e) Volume of all in aggregate = a - (b + c+d)

= 1-(0.108+0.153+0.006) = 0.733 m3

e) Mass of Coarse Aggregate = d x Volume of Coarse Aggregate x

Specific Gravity of Coarse Aggregate x
1000

= 0.733 x 0.62 x 2.67 x 1000

= 1213.4 kg

f) Mass of Fine Aggregate = d x Volume of Fine Aggregate x

Specific Gravity of Fine Aggregate x 1000

= 0.733 x 0.38 x 2.3 x 1000

= 750 kg

g) super plasticizer = 2 % of mass of cement

= 6.8 kg / m3
 42

Mix Proportions for Normal Concrete

Cement = 340 Kg/m3

Water =153 kg/m

Fine aggregate = 640 Kg/m3

Coarse aggregate = 1214 Kg/m3

Water – cement ratio = 0.45

Super plasticizer = 6.8 Kg/m3.