Abstract
Disposal of the coal fly ash (CFA) generated from thermal power plants in huge quantities is one of the major concerns for the industry, as well as the natural environment. On the other hand, CFA can be used within a certain percentage range in the cement concrete mix as a replacement for cement. Nanomaterials can also be used to improve the properties of concrete. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of nanosilica (nS) on the mechanical parameters and microstructure of CFA cement concretes. This study utilized an nS content of 5%, along with three CFA contents, i.e., of 0, 15, and 25% by volume. Mechanical property tests and a thorough overview of changes in the structure of modified concrete were carried out to study the effect of the CFA content on the analyzed parameters of concrete containing nS. This study had the goal of elucidating the reinforcing mechanisms of CFA concrete by nS and providing design guidance for the practical engineering applications of CFA-nS composites. Based on the conducted studies, it was found that the combined usage of nS and CFA has synergistic and positive effects on improving mechanical parameters and microstructure in such concretes. The combined strengthening of a cement matrix by nS and CFA can fill the pores and microcracks in concrete composites and effectively improve the mechanical properties and microstructure of such materials. In this study, the optimal improvement was achieved when the concentration of additions was 5% nS and 15% CFA. The 28-day compressive strength and splitting tensile strength were increased by 37.68 and 36.21%, respectively, in comparison to control concrete. Tailored blended cements composed of nS and CFA content (up to 30% replacement level) can significantly improve the parameters of concrete composites, as well as reduce the carbon footprint of cement-based materials—constituting a step toward the production of eco-friendly concretes.