Concrete Surface with Nano-Particle Additives for Improved Wearing Resistance to Increasing Truck Traffic

® The contents of this report reflect the views of the authors, who are responsible for the facts and the accuracy of the information presented herein. This document is disseminated under the sponsorship of the Department of Transportation University Transportation Centers Program, in the interest of information exchange. 16. Abstract This study focused on the use of nanotechnology in concrete to improve the wearing resistance of concrete. The nano materials used were polymer cross-linked aerogels, carbon nanotubes, and nano-SiO 2 , nano-CaCO 3 , and nano-Al 2 O 3 particles. As an indirect measurement of the concrete wearing resistance, the tensile and compressive properties and the permeability of concrete were evaluated for various mix designs. The optimal amount of nano material additives were determined following the American Society of Testing Methods (ASTM) standard test methodologies. The test results from the materials were compared for their mechanical behaviors. This type of technology may potentially improve the comfort level of passengers, the safety of highway operations, and the efficiency of fuel consumptions. It may also reduce the emission of CO 2 associated with the poor condition of roadways. vi List of Abbreviations/Nomenclature D RCM = chloride diffusion coefficient based on RCM method (unit: m 2 /s); T = average temperature at initial and final step (K); h = test sample height (m); x d = chloride penetration depth (m); t = test duration (s); CNT = multi-walled carbon nanotubes NS = nano-SiO 2 NC = nano-CaCO 3 NA = nano-Al 2 O 3 vii Acknowledgements