Fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of self-compacting mortar incorporating alumina nanoparticles and rice husk ash

This paper presents a comprehensive evaluation on self-compacting (SC) mortars incorporating 0, 1, 3, and 5% alumina nanoparticles (NA) as well as 0% and 30% rice husk ash (RHA) used as Portland cement replacement. To evaluate the workability, mechanical, and durability performance of SC mortars incorporating NA and RHA, the fresh properties (slump flow diameter and V-funnel flow time), hardened properties (compressive strength, flexural strength, and ultrasonic pulse velocity), and durability properties (water absorption, rapid chloride permeability, and electrical resistivity) were determined. The results indicated that the addition of NA and RHA has negligible effect on the workability and water absorption rate of the SC mortars. However, significant compressive and flexural strength development was observed in the SC mortars treated with NA or the combination of NA and RHA. The introduction of RHA and NA also reduced the rapid chloride permeability and enhanced the electrical resistivity of the SC mortars significantly. It is concluded that the coexistence of 30% RHA and 3% NA as cement replacement in SC mortars can provide the best mechanical and durability performance.