Elastic properties of self-compacting concrete modified with nanoparticles: Multiscale approach

Abstract Advances in cementitious composites and nanotechnologies have led to the development of self-compacting concrete (SCC) modified with nanoparticles. SCC with Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles was used in this study. In addition, a reference sample of SCC without an addition of nanoparticles was investigated. First, the micro-mechanical properties of each phase of the composites were examined using the statistical nanoindentation techniques and deconvolution. Then, the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) was investigated using line indentation and X-ray microCT. The results indicated that the ITZ played no significant role in the composites. Subsequently, modified Mori–Tanaka and self-consistent homogenization schemes, accounting for random variability of constituent properties, were applied to evaluate the overall elastic properties of the composites. Then, macroscale laboratory (uniaxial compression) tests were carried out to verify the adopted approach. The results of the micro- and macroscale tests showed that the proposed laboratory investigation procedure and homogenization approach were proper. Finally, the modified Mori–Tanaka scheme was used to verify the influence of material composition on the effective elastic modulus of SCC with Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles.