IMPACT OF NANO SIO2 ON THE PROPERTIES OF COLD-BONDED ARTIFICIAL AGGREGATES WITH VARIOUS BINDERS

The impact of nano SiO2 particles on the physical and mechanical properties of cold-bonded artificial lightweight aggregates by the pelletization process is investigated in this study. Twelve (12) varying cold-bonded artificial lightweight aggregates were manufactured from fly ash, cement, hydrated lime, metakaolin and steel slag (GGBFS) binder, with the addition of 0%, 0.5%, 1% and 1.5% nano SiO2, at a standard 17 min pelletization time, with 28% water content on a weight basis. The aggregates were air-dried for 24 hrs, followed by hardening of the pellets by cold-bonding (water curing) for 28 days and then testing. The study found the highest individual aggregate compressive strength of 49.3 Mpa for 12mm aggregate and lowest water absorption of 12.5% with a 0.5 FHG combination. Moreover, the lowest impact strength of 13.6% for the 0.5 FCH aggregate combination was observed. The results, obtained from different binders and the influence of nano SiO2 particles, could be very useful in the enhancement of both the physical and mechanical properties of artificial lightweight aggregates.