Optimizing the Performance of Barite Concrete with Nano-Additives: A Sustainability Approach

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 12 Issue 9

Year of Publication : 2025

Authors : Bhagyamma G, Sri Chandana P, Sudarsana Rao H

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I9P114

How to Cite?

Bhagyamma G, Sri Chandana P, Sudarsana Rao H, "Optimizing the Performance of Barite Concrete with Nano-Additives: A Sustainability Approach," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 9, pp. 164-175, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I9P114

Abstract:

Growing emphasis on sustainable construction practices has led to increased interest in incorporating alternative mineral-based materials into concrete formulations. Although barite powder is commonly known for its application in radiation shielding, its potential as a partial cement substitute remains largely unexplored due to uncertainties regarding its impact on hydration kinetics, ettringite stability, and long-term performance. This research investigates the combined effect of barite powder with Nano-Silica (NS) and Nano-Titania (NT) on enhancing both the mechanical behavior and internal structure of concrete. Barite was introduced as a partial cement replacement at dosage levels of 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%, while NS and NT were consistently incorporated at 1% by weight of cement. Workability was evaluated using standard slump and compaction factor tests. Compressive and split tensile strengths were determined at curing ages of 7, 14, and 28 days. Microstructural evolution and hydration products were also characterized through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). The findings demonstrate that the incorporation of barite powder resulted in improved workability, with a 5% substitution leading to enhanced strength by promoting densification of the matrix and a reduction in porosity. Nevertheless, an increase in replacements resulted in a reduction of strength attributed to the formation of secondary ettringite. The optimal performance was observed at 5-15% barite with NS and NT, where improved microstructure and enhanced C-S-H gel formation were evident. Statistical validation using one-way ANOVA confirmed the significance of barite content combined with NS particles and curing age on mechanical performance. The combined use of nanomaterials and barite yielded superior strength and durability compared to their individual application.

Keywords:

Barite powder, Nano-silicon dioxide, Nano-titanium dioxide, fresh properties, Mechanical properties, Microstructure, Synergistic effect, ANOVA.

References:

[1] P. Kumar Mehta, and Paulo J. M. Monteiro, Concrete: Microstructure, Properties, and Materials, 4th Edition, McGraw-Hill Education, pp. 1-46, 2014.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[2] Robbie M. Andrew, “Global CO2 Emissions from Cement Production, 1928–2018,” Earth System Science Data, vol. 11, no. 4, pp. 1675-1710, 2019.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[3] Rafat Siddique, “Utilization of Industrial By-Products in Concrete,” Procedia Engineering, vol. 95, pp. 335-347, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[4] Totsawat Daungwilailuk et al., “Use of Barite Concrete for Radiation Shielding against Gamma-Rays and Neutrons,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 326, 2022.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[5] Nasuha Ahmad et al., “Enhancing Shielding Efficiency of Ordinary and Barite Concrete in Radiation Shielding Utilizations,” Scientific Reports, vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 1-22, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[6] A.C. Valdés et al., “On the Relevance of Pyrite Oxidation: A Thermodynamic and Experimental Evaluation of Concrete Degradation,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol.164, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[7] Harry F.W. Taylor, Cement Chemistry, Thomas Telford, pp. 1-469, 1997.
[Google Scholar]
[8] L.P. Singh et al., “Beneficial Role of Nanosilica in Cement Based Materials - A Review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 47, pp. 1069-1077, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[9] Liguo Wang et al., “Effect of Nano-SiO₂ on the Hydration and Microstructure of Portland Cement,” Nanomaterials, vol. 6, no. 12, pp. 1-15, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[10] Byung-Wan Jo et al., “Characteristics of Cement Mortar with Nano-SiO2 Particles,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 21, no. 6, pp. 1351-1355, 2007.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[11] Jun Chen, Shi-cong Kou, and Chi-sun Poon, “Hydration and Properties of Nano-TiO₂ Blended Cement Composites,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 34, no. 5, pp. 642-649, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[12] Florence Sanchez, and Konstantin Sobolev, “Nanotechnology in Concrete - A Review,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 24, no. 11, pp. 2060-2071, 2010.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[13] Young-Cheol Choi, “Degree of Hydration, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles,” Materials, vol. 17, no. 18, pp. 1-14, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[14] Gengying Li, “Properties of High-Volume Fly Ash Concrete Incorporating Nano-SiO2,” Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 34, no. 6, pp. 1043-1049, 2004.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[15] Luciano Senff et al., “Effect of Nano-Silica on Rheology and Fresh Properties of Cement Pastes and Mortars,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 23, no. 7, pp. 2487-2491, 2009.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[16] J. Björnström et al., “Accelerating Effects of Colloidal Nano-Silica for Beneficial Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate Formation in Cement,” Chemical Physics Letters, vol. 392, no. 1-3, pp. 242-248, 2004.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[17] Ehsan Ghafari, Hugo Costa, and Eduardo Júlio, “Critical Review on Eco-Efficient Ultra High Performance Concrete Enhanced with Nano-Materials,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 101, pp. 201-208, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[18] J.J. Gaitero, I. Campillo, and A. Guerrero, “Reduction of the Calcium Leaching Rate of Cement Paste by Addition of Silica Nanoparticles,” Cement and Concrete Research, vol. 38, no. 8-9, pp. 1112-1118, 2008.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[19] Hui Li, Mao-hua Zhang, and Jin-ping Ou, “Flexural Fatigue Performance of Concrete Containing Nano-Particles for Pavement,” International Journal of Fatigue, vol. 29, no. 7, pp. 1292-1301, 2007.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[20] Mao-hua Zhang, and Hui Li, “Pore Structure and Chloride Permeability of Concrete Containing Nano-Particles for Pavement,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 608-616, 2011.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[21] Monica J. Hanus, and Andrew T. Harris, “Nanotechnology Innovations for the Construction Industry,” Progress in Materials Science, vol. 58, no. 7, pp. 1056-1102, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[22] Amir Mahdi Moslemi, “Application of Nano-Silica in Concrete for Enhanced Resistance against Sulfate Attack,” Advanced Materials Research, vol. 829, pp. 874-878, 2013.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[23] M. Collepardi et al., “A State-of-the-art Review on Delayed Ettringite Attack on Concrete,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 25, no. 4-5, pp. 401-407, 2003.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[24] Mohamed A. Abouelnour et al., “Valorization of Nano Additives Effects on the Physical, Mechanical and Radiation Shielding Properties of High Strength Concrete,” Scientific Reports, vol. 15, no. 1, pp. 1-26, 2025.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[25] Douglas C. Montgomery, Design and Analysis of Experiments, 9th ed., John Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, pp. 1-734, 2017.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[26] Douglas C. Montgomery, and George C. Runger, Applied Statistics and Probability for Engineers, 7th ed., John Wiley & Sons, 2019.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[27] A.M. Said et al., “Properties of Concrete Incorporating Nano-Silica,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 36, pp. 838-844, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[28] Hui Li, Mao-hua Zhang, and Jin-ping Ou, “Abrasion Resistance of Concrete Containing Nano-Particles for Pavement,” Wear, vol. 260, no. 11-12, pp. 1262-1266, 2006.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[29] Alireza Naji Givi et al., “Experimental Investigation of the Size Effects of SiO2 Nano-Particles on the Mechanical Properties of Binary Blended Concrete,” Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 41, no. 8, pp. 673-677, 2010.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[30] Hui Li et al., “Microstructure of Cement Mortar with Nano-Particles,” Composites Part B: Engineering, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 185-189, 2004.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[31] Min-Hong Zhang, and Jahidul Islam, “Use of Nano-Silica to Reduce Setting Time and Increase Early Strength of Concretes with High Volumes of Fly Ash or Slag,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 29, pp. 573-580, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[32] G. Quercia, and H.J.H. Brouwers, “Application of Nano-Silica in Concrete Mixtures,” 8th Fib PhD Symposium in Kgs, Lyngby, Denmark, pp. 1-6, 2010.
[Google Scholar]
[33] E.K. Kunhanandan Nambiar, and K. Ramamurthy, “Influence of Filler Type on the Properties of Foam Concrete,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 28, no. 5, pp. 475-480, 2006.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[34] A. M. Neville, Properties of Concrete, 5th ed., Pearson Education Limited, 2011.
[Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[35] Lalit Kumar Gupta and Ashok Kumar Vyas, “Impact on Mechanical Properties of Cement Sand Mortar Containing Waste Granite Powder,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 191, pp. 155-164, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[36] Young-Cheol Choi, “Degree of Hydration, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Cement-Modified TiO₂ Nanoparticles,” Materials, vol. 17, no. 18, pp. 1-14, 2024.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[37] Karen Scrivener et al., A Practical Guide to Microstructural Analysis of Cementitious Materials, 1st ed., CRC Press, pp. 1-560, 2016.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[38] Jingge Ren, Yuanming Lai, and Jianqiang Gao, “Exploring the Influence of SiO2 and TiO2 Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 175, pp. 277-285, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[39] João Victor Staub de Melo, and Glicério Trichês, “Study of the Influence of Nano-TiO2 on the Properties of Portland Cement Concrete for Application on Road Surfaces,” Road Materials and Pavement Design, vol. 19, no. 5, pp. 1011-1026, 2018.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[40] L. Senff et al., “Effect of Nano-SiO₂ and Nano-TiO₂ Addition on the Rheological Behavior and the Hardened Properties of Cement Mortars,” Materials Science and Engineering A, vol. 532, pp. 354-361, 2012.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[41] Rui Zhang et al., “Influences of Nano-TiO₂ on the Properties of Cement-Based Materials: Hydration and Drying Shrinkage,” Construction and Building Materials, vol. 81, pp. 35-41, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[42] Hasan Biricik, and Nihal Sarier, “Comparative Study of the Characteristics of Nano Silica-, Silica Fume- and Fly Ash-Incorporated Cement Mortars,” Materials Research, vol. 17, no. 5, pp. 1178-1185, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[43] Lok Pratap Singh et al., “Effect of Morphology and Dispersibility of Silica Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Behaviour of Cement Mortar,” International Journal of Concrete Structures and Materials, vol. 9, pp. 207-217, 2015.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]
[44] G. Quercia et al., “SCC Modification by Use of Amorphous Nano-Silica,” Cement and Concrete Composites, vol. 45, pp. 69-81, 2014.
[CrossRef] [Google Scholar] [Publisher Link]