In recent years, energy-retrofitting is becoming an imperative aim for existing buildings worldwide and increased interest has focused on the development of nanoparticle blended concretes with adequate mechanical...In recent years, energy-retrofitting is becoming an imperative aim for existing buildings worldwide and increased interest has focused on the development of nanoparticle blended concretes with adequate mechanical properties and durability performance, through the optimization of concrete permeability and the incorporation of the proper nanoparticle type in the concrete matrix. In order to investigate the potential use of nanocomposites as dense barriers against the permeation of liquids into the concrete, three types of nanoparticles including Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), and composite nanoparticles were used in the present study as partial replacement of cement. Besides, the effect of adding these nanoparticles on both pore structure and mechanical strengths of the concrete at different ages was determined, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were then used to illustrate the uniformity dispersion of nanoparticles in cement paste. It was demonstrated that the addition of a small number of nanoparticles effectively enhances the mechanical properties of concrete and consequently reduces the extent of the water permeation front. Finally, the behavioral models using Genetic Algorithm (GA) programming were developed to describe the time-dependent behavioral characteristics of nanoparticle blended concrete samples in various compressive and tensile stress states at different ages.展开更多
文摘In recent years, energy-retrofitting is becoming an imperative aim for existing buildings worldwide and increased interest has focused on the development of nanoparticle blended concretes with adequate mechanical properties and durability performance, through the optimization of concrete permeability and the incorporation of the proper nanoparticle type in the concrete matrix. In order to investigate the potential use of nanocomposites as dense barriers against the permeation of liquids into the concrete, three types of nanoparticles including Zinc Oxide (ZnO), Magnesium Oxide (MgO), and composite nanoparticles were used in the present study as partial replacement of cement. Besides, the effect of adding these nanoparticles on both pore structure and mechanical strengths of the concrete at different ages was determined, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images were then used to illustrate the uniformity dispersion of nanoparticles in cement paste. It was demonstrated that the addition of a small number of nanoparticles effectively enhances the mechanical properties of concrete and consequently reduces the extent of the water permeation front. Finally, the behavioral models using Genetic Algorithm (GA) programming were developed to describe the time-dependent behavioral characteristics of nanoparticle blended concrete samples in various compressive and tensile stress states at different ages.