Enhancing Recycled Aggregate Concrete Performance Using Nano Silica for Sustainable and Low Carbon Construction

Muhammad Rizky Pratama; Nadia Putri Ramadhani; Ahmad Fauzan Nugroho

Authors

Muhammad Rizky Pratama Universitas Indonesia Author
Nadia Putri Ramadhani Universitas Indonesia Author
Ahmad Fauzan Nugroho Universitas Indonesia Author

Keywords:

Recycled aggregate concrete, Nano-silica, Durability, Embodied carbon, Low-carbon construction

Abstract

Purpose – This study evaluates the effectiveness of nano-silica in improving the mechanical performance, durability, and carbon efficiency of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) for sustainable and low-carbon construction.

Methodology – A quantitative experimental framework was developed using RAC with 50% recycled coarse aggregate and nano-silica dosages of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% by mass of binder. Slump, compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, water absorption, chloride penetration, embodied carbon, ANOVA, and quadratic regression were evaluated.

Findings – The modelled results show that 3% nano-silica provides the best overall response. At 28 days, compressive strength increases by 26.28% and splitting tensile strength by 21.19%, while water absorption and chloride charge decrease by 25.73% and 44.01%, respectively. Strength-normalized carbon intensity improves by 19.81%. Quadratic regression predicts an optimum dosage of 3.23%.

Implications – Optimized nano-silica can improve the engineering efficiency of RAC while supporting higher-value use of recycled concrete aggregate. Dosage optimization is more important than maximizing nano-silica content.

Originality – The study integrates mechanical performance, durability, dosage optimization, and strength-normalized carbon efficiency within one RAC assessment framework.

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