Influence of nano-silica in beam-column joint flextural properties

The performance of reinforced concrete moment resisting frame structures in present-day earthquakes across world has highlighted the outcome of poor performance of beam-column junction, usually important in the reinforced concrete frame design. In reinforced concrete moment resisting frame the beam column joints are crucial zones for load transfer productively between the linking elements (i.e. beams & columns) in the structural design. So this is especially necessary to reduce the vulnerability of Beam-Column joint in connection with the Seismic loading. In this investigational examination, Fly ash, a throw away product, generated in thermal power stations is roughly around 105 million tons every year (in India) whose percentage usage is less than 13%, was added. This reduction in strength was tried to compensate by adding 0 to 2.5% of Nano Silica (nS) as it reacts with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) mini crystals, and are array in the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) linking hardened cement paste and aggregates, evenly produce C–S–H gel. Nano-SiO2 can also behave as nucleus to tightly bonded elements with cement hydrates. Fly ash concrete with respect to nano-SiO2 maintains higher density and strength. High-strength concrete with respect to nS owns higher flexural strength. On an average 7 exterior Reinforced Concrete beam-column joint specimens (control) were casted, cured for complete 28 days and tested to failure. Only three contained Fly ash (20%, 40% and 60%) and the other three specimens with nS (2.5%) and Fly ash (20%, 40% and 60%). Evenly, on the column an axial load was applied. Then seismic load (i.e. Push and pull load) was applied at the free end of the cantilever beam till failure occurs. The reinforced Nano concrete Beam-Column joints and the Fly ash mixed RC Beam-Column joints were compared each other and the test results are obtained.