A Critical Review on Effect of Nanomaterials on Workability and Mechanical Properties of High-Performance Concrete

The application of nanomaterials in high-performance concrete (HPC) has been extensively studied worldwide due to their large surface areas, small particle sizes, filling effects, and macroquantum tunneling effects. The addition of nanomaterials in HPC has great contribution to enhancing the pore size of the cementitious matrix, improving the hydration of cement, and making the matrix much denser. In order to present an exhaustive insight into the feasibility of HPC reinforced with nanomaterials, the new development of HPC was summarized and the influence of different nanomaterials on the properties of HPC was reviewed based on more than 100 recent studies in this literature review. Workability, compressive strength, tensile strength, and flexural strength properties of HPC with nanomaterials were discussed in detail. In addition, nanomaterial-modified HPC was compared with the traditional concrete and obtained a lot of valuable results. The results in the present review indicate that the addition of various nanomaterials improves the mechanical properties of HPC, while reducing the workability of HPC. However, there is an optimal dosage of nanomaterial for improving the mechanical properties of HPC. Improving the properties of HPC by adding nanomaterials is expected to become a mainstream technique in the future. This literature review can provide comprehensive and systematic knowledge to researchers and engineers working on HPC and promote the application of this new HPC in modern civil engineering.