Crack resistance properties of carbon nanotube-modified concrete

Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into concrete can improve its fracture toughness. The crack resistance properties of reinforced concrete with CNTs were tested by ring test and three-point bending beam fracture test. The fracture parameters of reinforced concrete with CNTs were analysed by using double-K fracture parameters and the results showed that CNTs can improve the crack resistance properties. When the CNT content was 0.10 wt%, the compressive strength at 28 days and the splitting tensile strength of concrete were increased by 1.7 and 11.7%, respectively. When the CNT content was 0.15 wt%, the cracking time of concrete under semi-closed and closed conditions was extended by 42.1 and 41.2%, respectively. The initiation fracture toughness, the unstable fracture toughness and the fracture energy of concrete were increased by 31.0, 32.4 and 24.6%, respectively. It was found that CNTs delay the propagation of micro-cracks by bridging across the micro-cracks in concrete and strengthening the interfacial transition zone.