Impact of Nano-Silica Addition on Concrete Durability

Abstract:

Concrete deterioration is a major concern for structural engineers, as it can weaken and damage structures, posing safety risks. One of the most effective ways to protect concrete from deterioration is to modify it with pozzolanic materials. Pozzolanic can react with calcium hydroxide (Ca (OH)₂) in concrete to form strong, durable cementitious compounds. So this research aims at enhancing the durability of concrete structures against aggressive media attacks. Nanosilica (NS) was used in concrete mix design with different addition percentages of 0, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 by cement weight. The durability of hardened concrete specimens was investigated as follows: measuring water absorption and contact angle; and determining chloride permeability by ion exchange chromatography. Also, the resistivity of concrete against both 3% sulfuric acid and 5% sodium chloride solutions was estimated. Finally, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to determine corrosion resistance of the reinforced concrete. The experimental results detected that NS has a significant mechanism for improving concrete performance as follows: water absorption of concrete modified with 2% NS (M4) decreased by 41% as compared to the control sample, and contact angle increased by 66%. Meanwhile, the chloride permeability decreased by 24%. Moreover, NS is mainly responsible for enhancing concrete durability against aggressive media attacks up to 2% by cement weight. As compared to the control concrete specimen, the durability of the M4 specimen increased by 39% against sulphate attack and by 42% against chloride attack. The study provided a good solution for the problem of concrete building deterioration, especially when it is exposed to aggressive environments. Key words: Concrete durability, pozzolanic materials, nanosilica.

• Periodical: Diffusion Foundations and Materials Applications (Volume 39)
• Pages: 89-104
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-5RQGqh
• Online since: January 2026
• Authors: Mostafa A. Shohide*
• Keywords: Concrete Durability, Nanosilica, Pozzolanic Materials

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