Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

A Review of the Application of Nanomaterials in Mechanical Properties, Water Absorption, and Chloride Penetration of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete

Document Type : Research Note

Author
¹Assistant Professor, Materials Engineering, Non-Metallic Materials Research Group, Power Research Institute, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
In recent decades, traditional concrete has posed a significant challenge for modernizing the construction industry due to its low tensile strength, poor brittleness, insufficient crack resistance, high water absorption, and chloride penetration. To overcome these issues, ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) with superior mechanical properties and durability has been developed, which holds great potential for widespread application in the future of construction engineering. However, UHPC is less environmentally friendly due to its higher cement consumption than traditional concrete. Cement production generates large amounts of carbon dioxide, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Nanomaterials possess microstructural features that range in size from 0.1 to 100 nanometers and exhibit new properties compared to their counterparts, including filling effects, surface activity, and environmental stability. The findings of this review article confirm that using nanomaterials as additives improves the quality of hydration products and reduces the formation of micropores, thereby enhancing the mechanical properties of ultra-high-performance concrete. This review article examines the impact of various nanomaterials used in UHPC for partial cement replacement or as additives on microstructures, mechanical properties, and other characteristics of UHPC. Additionally, the limitations and shortcomings of current research are analyzed and summarized, and development directions for future research on the application of nanomaterials in UHPC are presented.
Keywords

Subjects


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Volume 12, Issue 06 - Serial Number 95
September 2025
Pages 195-239

  • Receive Date 12 October 2024
  • Revise Date 22 November 2024
  • Accept Date 14 December 2024