Nanoparticles for high performance concrete (HPC)

Abstract

According to the 2011 ERMCO statistics, only 11% of the production of ready-mixed concrete relates to the high performance concrete (HPC) target. This percentage has remained unchanged since at least 2001 and appears a strange choice on the part of the construction industry, as HPC offers several advantages over normal-strength concrete, specifically those of high strength and durability. It allows for concrete structures requiring less steel reinforcement and offers a longer serviceable life, both of which are crucial issues in the eco-efficiency of construction materials. Despite the growing importance of nanotechnology, investigations into the incorporation of nanoparticles into concrete are rare (100 out of 10,000 Scopus concrete-related articles published in the last decade). It therefore remains to be seen how research in this area will contribute to concrete eco-efficiency. This chapter summarizes the state of current knowledge in the field and considers the influence of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of concrete and its durability. It also includes the control of calcium leaching. The problem of efficient dispersion of nanoparticles is analyzed.