Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Abstract

Cement improves properties of soil materials, such as durability, stiffness, strength and moisture susceptibility. Each of them needs different cement contents that might not be suitable for other properties. Typically, high cement content is desirable for durability, but not for shrinkage and cracking issues on the surface. Thus, improving durability with low cement content while complying with other requirements is an ideal aim, which may be achieved by pozzolanic supplementary products. Pozzolans contribute in hydration reactions and optimise cement consumptions in favour of durable and low shrinkage products. In this paper, the mixes of nano-silica and fly ash are considered to investigate their effect on strength, durability and shrinkage of modified CRB (crushed rock base) material. In the end, the benefits and features of nano-silica as a pozzolanic material will be focused and discussed more for effective cement consumption in soils.