Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Study on mechanical properties and microstructure of recycled fine aggregate concrete modified by Nano-SiO2

  • ORIGINAL ARTICLE
  • Published:
Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this study, the effects of different contents of Nano-SiO2 (NS) on a slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, hydration products, and microstructure of recycled fine aggregate concrete (RFAC) were investigated. The results show that the addition of recycled fine aggregate (RFA) has a significant negative impact on the mechanical properties of concrete, but with the addition of NS, the mechanical properties of RFAC are improved. When the content of NS is 3%, the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength and flexural strength at 28 d of RFAC increased by 30.7%, 35.1%, and 18.7% respectively, and the durability was also improved significantly. Meanwhile, Thermogravimetric differential scanning calorimeter (TG-DSC), and X-Ray diffraction analysis (XRD) demonstrated that the addition of NS reduced the content of calcium hydroxide (CH) crystal in RFAC samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that NS doping can refine CH crystal, adsorb hydration products and improve the compactness of RFAC microstructure. The maximum efficiency is obtained when the content of NS is 3%. This study aims to research the possibility of using 100% recycled fine aggregate (RFA) in concrete and helps to maintain the better mechanical properties and durability of RFAC for a longer time.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13
Fig. 14
Fig. 15

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Xiao J, Li W, Fan Y, Huang X (2012) An overview of study on recycled aggregate concrete in China (1996–2011). Constr Build Mater 31:364–383. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.12.074

    Article  Google Scholar 

  2. Etxeberria M, Vázquez E, Marí A, Barra M (2007) Influence of amount of recycled coarse aggregates and production process on properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Cem Concr Res 37(5):735–742. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2007.02.002

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Koga H, Katahira H, Shimata A (2022) The introduction of recycled-aggregate concrete specifications in Japan and the research into the freezing–thawing resistance of recycled-aggregate concrete. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 24(4):1207–1215. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-022-01412-x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Akono AT, Zhan MM, Chen JX, Shah SP (2021) Nanostructure of calcium-silicate-hydrates in fine recycled aggregate concrete. Cem Concr Compos 115:103827. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2020.103827

    Article  Google Scholar 

  5. Paz CF, Biela R, Punhagui KRG, Possan E (2023) Life cycle inventory of recycled aggregates derived from construction and demolition waste. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-023-01594-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  6. Wang RJ, Yu NN, Li Y (2020) Methods for improving the microstructure of recycled concrete aggregate: a review. Constru Build Mater 242:118164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118164

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Ouyang K, Shi CJ, Chu HQ, Guo H, Song BX, Ding YH, Guan XM, Zhu JP, Zhang HB, Wang YL, Zheng JL (2020) An overview on the efficiency of different pretreatment techniques for recycled concrete aggregate. J Clean Prod 263:121264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.121264

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Hassan RY, Faroun GA, S.k. Mohammed, (2021) Mechanical properties of concrete made with coarse and fine recycled aggregates. Mater Today Proc. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.04.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  9. Mi RJ, Pan GH, Liew KM, Kuang T (2020) Utilizing recycled aggregate concrete in sustainable construction for a required compressive strength ratio. J Clean Prod 276:124249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.124249

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Chen X, Xiao X, Wu Q, Cheng Z, Xu X, Cheng S, Zhao R (2021) Effect of magnesium phosphate cement on the mechanical properties and microstructure of recycled aggregate and recycled aggregate concrete. J Build Eng. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.103611

    Article  Google Scholar 

  11. Zheng YX, Zhuo JB, Zhang P (2021) A review on durability of nano-SiO2 and basalt fiber modified recycled aggregate concrete. Constru Build Mater 304:124659. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.124659

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Amario M, Pepe M, Rangel CS, Toledo RD (2021) Analytical tool for assessment of the rheological behavior of recycled aggregate concrete. Constru Build Mater 309:125166. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125166

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Sosa ME, Villagrán Zaccardi YA, Zega CJ (2021) A critical review of the resulting effective water-to-cement ratio of fine recycled aggregate concrete. Constru Build Mater 313:125536. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.125536

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Nedeljkovic M, Visser J, Savija B, Valcke S, Schlangen E (2021) Use of fine recycled concrete aggregates in concrete: A critical review. J Build Eng 38:102196. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  15. Evangelista L, Guedes M, de Brito J, Ferro AC, Pereira MF (2015) Physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of fine recycled aggregates made from concrete waste. Constr Build Mater 86:178–188. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.03.112

    Article  Google Scholar 

  16. Etxeberria M, Vegas I (2015) Effect of fine ceramic recycled aggregate (RA) and mixed fine RA on hardened properties of concrete. Mag Concrete Res 67(12):645–655. https://doi.org/10.1680/macr.14.00208

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Pedro D, de Brito J, Evangelista L (2017) Structural concrete with simultaneous incorporation of fine and coarse recycled concrete aggregates: Mechanical, durability and long-term properties. Constr Build Mater 154:294–309. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.07.215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Zega CJ, Di Maio AA (2011) Use of recycled fine aggregate in concretes with durable requirements. Waste Manag 31(11):2336–2340. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2011.06.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. Tiwari A, Singh S, Nagar R (2016) Feasibility assessment for partial replacement of fine aggregate to attain cleaner production perspective in concrete: a review. J Clean Prod 135:490–507. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2016.06.130

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Singh LP, Bisht V, Aswathy MS, Chaurasia L, Gupta S (2018) Studies on performance enhancement of recycled aggregate by incorporating bio and nano materials. Constr Build Mater 181:217–226. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.05.248

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Ozturk O, Yildirim G, Keskin US, Siad H, Sahmaran M (2020) Nano-tailored multi-functional cementitious composites. Compos Part B Eng 182:107670. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2019.107670

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Pourjavadi A, Fakoorpoor SM, Hosseini P, Khaloo A (2013) Interactions between superabsorbent polymers and cement-based composites incorporating colloidal silica nanoparticles. Cement Concr Compos 37:196–204. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2012.10.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Li W, Long C, Tam VWY, Poon C-S, Hui Duan W (2017) Effects of nano-particles on failure process and microstructural properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Constru Build Mater 142:42–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.051

    Article  Google Scholar 

  24. Yue YC, Zhou YW, Xing F, Gong GQ, Hu B, Guo MH (2020) An industrial applicable method to improve the properties of recycled aggregate concrete by incorporating nano-silica and micro-CaCO3. J Clean Prod 259:120920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2020.120920

    Article  Google Scholar 

  25. Rupasinghe M, San Nicolas R, Mendis P, Sofi M, Ngo T (2017) Investigation of strength and hydration characteristics in nano-silica incorporated cement paste. Cement Concrete Compos 80:17–30. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2017.02.011

    Article  Google Scholar 

  26. Mukharjee BB, Barai SV (2014) Influence of Nano-Silica on the properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater 55:29–37. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.01.003

    Article  Google Scholar 

  27. Meng T, Yu Y, Wang ZJ (2017) Effect of nano-CaCO3 slurry on the mechanical properties and micro-structure of concrete with and without fly ash. Compos Part B Eng 117:124–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesb.2017.02.030

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Norhasri MSM, Hamidah MS, Fadzil AM (2017) Applications of using nano material in concrete: a review. Constr Build Mater 133:91–97. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.12.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  29. Li WG, Long C, Tam VWY, Poon CS, Duan WH (2017) Effects of nano-particles on failure process and microstructural properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater 142:42–50. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.051

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Zhang HR, Zhao YX, Meng T, Shah SP (2015) The modification effects of a nano-silica slurry on microstructure, strength, and strain development of recycled aggregate concrete applied in an enlarged structural test. Constr Build Mater 95:721–735. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.07.089

    Article  Google Scholar 

  31. Mukharjee BB, Barai SV (2014) Influence of incorporation of nano-silica and recycled aggregates on compressive strength and microstructure of concrete. Constr Build Mater 71:570–578. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.08.040

    Article  Google Scholar 

  32. Hosseini P, Booshehrian A, Madari A (2011) Developing Concrete Recycling Strategies by Utilization of Nano-SiO2 Particles. Waste Biomass Valori 2(3):347–355. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-011-9071-9

    Article  Google Scholar 

  33. Mukharjee BB, Barai SV (2016) Mechanical and microstructural characterization of recycled aggregate concrete containing silica nanoparticles. J Sustain Cem-Based 6(1):37–53. https://doi.org/10.1080/21650373.2016.1230899

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Shaikh FUA, Supit SWM (2014) Mechanical and durability properties of high volume fly ash (HVFA) concrete containing calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles. Constr Build Mater 70:309–321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.07.099

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Shaikh FUA, Supit SWM, Barbhuiya S (2017) Microstructure and nanoscaled characterization of HVFA cement paste containing Nano-SiO2 and Nano-CaCO3. J Mater Civ Eng 29(8):04017063. https://doi.org/10.1061/(Asce)Mt.1943-5533.0001898

    Article  Google Scholar 

  36. Senff L, Labrincha JA, Ferreira VM, Hotza D, Repette WL (2009) Effect of nano-silica on rheology and fresh properties of cement pastes and mortars. Constr Build Mater 23(7):2487–2491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2009.02.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Zhou Y, Zheng S, Huang X, Xi B, Huang Z, Guo M (2021) Performance enhancement of green high-ductility engineered cementitious composites by nano-silica incorporation. Constru Build Mater. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122618

    Article  Google Scholar 

  38. Evangelista L, de Brito J (2007) Mechanical behaviour of concrete made with fine recycled concrete aggregates. Cement Concr Compos 29(5):397–401. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2006.12.004

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Fan CC, Huang R, Hwang H, Chao SJ (2016) Properties of concrete incorporating fine recycled aggregates from crushed concrete wastes. Constr Build Mater 112:708–715. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.02.154

    Article  Google Scholar 

  40. Khaloo A, Mobini MH, Hosseini P (2016) Influence of different types of nano-SiO2 particles on properties of high-performance concrete. Constr Build Mater 113:188–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.03.041

    Article  Google Scholar 

  41. Mei J, Ma B, Tan H, Li H, Liu X, Jiang W, Zhang T, Guo Y (2018) Influence of steam curing and nano silica on hydration and microstructure characteristics of high volume fly ash cement system. Constr Build Mater 171:83–95. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.03.056

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Jalal M, Pouladkhan A, Harandi OF, Jafari D (2015) Comparative study on effects of Class F fly ash, nano silica and silica fume on properties of high performance self compacting concrete. Constr Build Mater 94:90–104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.07.001

    Article  Google Scholar 

  43. Hou P-K, Kawashima S, Wang K-J, Corr DJ, Qian J-S, Shah SP (2013) Effects of colloidal nanosilica on rheological and mechanical properties of fly ash–cement mortar. Cement Concr Compos 35(1):12–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2012.08.027

    Article  Google Scholar 

  44. Ghafari E, Costa H, Julio E, Portugal A, Duraes L (2014) The effect of nanosilica addition on flowability, strength and transport properties of ultra high performance concrete. Mater Des 59:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matdes.2014.02.051

    Article  Google Scholar 

  45. Li L, Xuan D, Sojobi AO, Liu S, Chu SH, Poon CS (2021) Development of nano-silica treatment methods to enhance recycled aggregate concrete. Cement Concrete Compos. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2021.103963

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

Thanks for the funding support of the Key Research and Development Program of the Hubei Science and Technology Department (No.2020BAB071), the postgraduate education innovation fund of Wuhan Institute of Technology (No. CX2021119), the Knowledge Innovation Program of Wuhan-Shuguang Project (No. 2022020801020362) and the internal science fund research project of Wuhan Institute of Technology (No. K201932 & No. K2021031).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan, 430073, China

    Ziyang Cheng, Guofu Chen, Yanping Tu, Shukai Cheng & Xiong Xu

  2. Hubei Provincial Engineering Research Center for Green Civil Engineering Materials and Structures, Wuhan, 430073, China

    Yanping Tu, Shukai Cheng & Xiong Xu

  3. China Communications Construction Second Highway Consultants Co., Ltd, Wuhan, 430056, China

    Xuehao Xiao

Authors
  1. Ziyang Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Guofu Chen
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Yanping Tu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Xuehao Xiao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Shukai Cheng
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Xiong Xu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yanping Tu.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Cheng, Z., Chen, G., Tu, Y. et al. Study on mechanical properties and microstructure of recycled fine aggregate concrete modified by Nano-SiO2. J Mater Cycles Waste Manag 25, 2135–2145 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-023-01683-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10163-023-01683-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation