Developing lightweight structural concrete with enhanced thermal and durability properties through nano-silica and expanded polystyrene integration

Faculty Engineering Year: 2025
Type of Publication: ZU Hosted Pages:
Authors:
Journal: Scientific Reports nature Volume:
Keywords : Developing lightweight structural concrete with enhanced    
Abstract:
This comprehensive study investigates the development of lightweight structural concrete with enhanced thermal and durability properties by strategically incorporating nano-silica (NS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS) granules. This research aims to design a high-performance concrete composite that can achieve superior thermal insulation, improved water permeability, and maintain structural integrity. NS was strategically incorporated at varying dosages of 0.75, 1, and 1.25% by weight of cement, while EPS was used to replace fine aggregates at 25, 50, 75, and 100% replacement levels. The thermal performance of the concrete mixtures was systematically evaluated using the advanced transient plane source method, providing insights into thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, and volumetric heat capacity. The experimental results demonstrate that the addition of NS led to a significant 15% reduction in thermal conductivity, attributed to the filler effect and pozzolanic reactivity of nano-silica. The incorporation of EPS granules exhibited an even more pronounced impact, decreasing the thermal conductivity of concrete by up to 80.5% as the replacement level increased. Notably, the combined use of NS and EPS resulted in a synergistic effect, achieving a remarkable 39–86% reduction in thermal conductivity, 28–71%, and 28–79% reductions in thermal effusivity and diffusivity, respectively, compared to the control mix. Furthermore, the optimal NS content of 1–1.25% was found to enhance the compressive strength by up to 36.5% and reduce the water permeability by 40–52%, indicating improved mechanical and durability properties. These findings highlight the transformative potential of this composite material in developing high-performance, thermally-efficient, and sustainable concrete for energy-efficient buildings, reducing operational energy demands and carbon footprints.
   
     
 
       

Author Related Publications

  • Sabry Abdelraheem Ahmed Abdelhady, "Assessment of Ceramic Tiles Sludge as a Brick Manufacturing Material", IJERT, 2016 More
  • Sabry Abdelraheem Ahmed Abdelhady, "UTILIZING INDUSTRIAL WASTE-WATER AS ALKALI ACTIVATOR IN SAND-CEMENT KILN DUST BRICKS", AICSGE9, 2016 More
  • Sabry Abdelraheem Ahmed Abdelhady, "Preparation of High Purity Nano-Silica from Rice Husk Using Acid Chemical Treatment and Burning", Zagazig University-Faculty of Enginnering, 2016 More
  • Sabry Abdelraheem Ahmed Abdelhady, "An Investigation into the Effect of Locally Prepared Nano-Silica on the Microstructure and Hardened Properties of High Strength Concrete", Zagazig University-Faculty of Enginnering, 2016 More
  • Sabry Abdelraheem Ahmed Abdelhady, "NAPHTHALENE-SULFONATE BASED SUPER-PLASTICIZER AND ULTRASONICATION EFFECTS ON THE DISPERSION OF CNTS IN CEMENT COMPOSITES SUBJECTED TO CYCLIC LOADING", IJMTER, 2018 More

Department Related Publications

  • Ahmed Mohamed Hassan Ali Youssief, "Densification behavior and mechanical properties of niobium-oxide-doped alumina ceramics", Goller Verlag, 2013 More
  • Ahmed Mohamed Hassan Ali Youssief, "Toughening and strengthening of Nb2O5 doped zirconia/alumina (ZTA) composites", Elsevier, 2015 More
  • Selem Saleh Elsayed Ahmed Dawod, "Contribution of retardation mechanisms on the behaviour of fatigue crack growth in steel structures", 1st International Conference in Civil Engineering, Helwan University, Egypt, pp.172-182., 1998 More
  • Selem Saleh Elsayed Ahmed Dawod, "Effect of coarse aggregate type on the mechanical behavior of high strength concrete", 5th International Conference in Building materials and structural Engineering, Academy of Graduate Studies, Tripoli, Libya, pp.140-151. 2010., 2010 More
  • Selem Saleh Elsayed Ahmed Dawod, "FCG Behavior in Parallel Direction of Welded Austenitic Stainless Steel Plate", AEIC 12, 2012, 2012 More
Tweet