Feasibility assessment of bulk density property of carbon nano tube as a viable alternative to reinforcement steel in construction projects

Abstract Carbon nanotubes are fibrous and porous materials prepared using standard test procedures of concrete. This research paper investigates the effect of three different bulk densities of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) used in concrete. The results show that the specimens with lower range bulk density (0.04–0.06 g/cc) have better dispersion, mechanical and durability properties than higher range bulk densities. It is noteworthy that, during flexural beam test, MWCNTs are placed only at the bottom one-third of the specimen below the neutral axis, where most of the tensile region exists, without any joints. Flexural beam test results show that higher strength up to 9.62 MPa is obtained. The compression test reveals that higher strength possibly due to the reduced surface area of addition of bigger size coarse aggregates. A comparative of cost analysis with conventional steel rods is presented. Improvement in the ratio of flexural strength to compressive strength in respect of concrete is not as substantial as in mortar.