Synthesis of Nanomaterials for Enhanced Durability, Crack Resistance, and Cost-Effectiveness of Concrete in Infrastructure Applications

This project aims to develop durable, crack-resistant, and cost-effective concrete for U.S. infrastructure by incorporating nanomaterials derived from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo, combined with Agricultural Residue Char (ARC) for internal curing. Traditional supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) often require high replacement percentages to achieve significant improvements, increasing the cost and complexity of mix designs. In contrast, nanomaterials, even at small dosages (1-2% by weight), have demonstrated remarkable potential to enhance both the early-age and long-term performance of concrete. ARC will serve as an internal curing agent, specifically targeting improvements at later ages by reducing shrinkage and enhancing long-term crack resistance. Nanomaterials extracted from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo will be evaluated for their impact on early-age strength and durability. The objectives of the proposed study are to: (1) Develop cost-effective synthesis techniques for nanomaterials from sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and bamboo; (2) Investigate the impact of nanomaterials on early-age compressive strength and hydration; (3) Utilize ARC for internal curing to reduce shrinkage and improve long-term performance, (4) Perform ASTM C1609 (notched beam test) for crack resistance and ASTM C157 (shrinkage test) for mix designs undergoing flexural testing, and (5) Analyze the cost and performance of developed mixes compared to conventional concrete. The project will employ a comprehensive research approach, including detailed material characterization, mix design optimization, mechanical and durability testing. Material characterization will involve advanced techniques, namely Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and X-Ray Diffraction, to analyze the structural properties of the nano materials. The concrete mixes will undergo standard workability, compressive strength, crack resistance, shrinkage and surface resistivity testing to ensure optimal mechanical and durability properties. The tasks for this study involve the following: Task 1: Literature Review and Material Acquisition; Task 2: Synthesis and Characterization of Nanomaterials; Task 3: Mix Design and Optimization; Task 4: Mechanical and Durability Testing; Task 5: Cost-Effectiveness Analysis; and Task 6: Reporting and Dissemination.

• Record URL:
  • https://www.sptc.org/cy2-lsu-01

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $100,000.00
• Contract Numbers:

  69A3552348306 (CY2-LSU-01)

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Southern Plains Transportation Center

  University of Oklahoma
  202 W Boyd St, Room 213A
  Norman, OK  United States  73019

  Office of the Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology

  University Transportation Centers Program
  Department of Transportation
  Washington, DC  United States  20590
• Managing Organizations:

  University of Oklahoma, Norman

  School of Civil Engineering and Environmental Science
  202 West Boyd Street, Room 334
  Norman, OK  United States  73019
• Project Managers:

  Ghasemi, Hamid

• Performing Organizations:

  Louisiana State University

  3660G Patrick F. Taylor Hall
  Civil and Environmental Engineering
  Baton Rouge, LA  United States  70803
• Principal Investigators:

  Noorvand, Hassan

  Berryman, Charles

  Hassan, Marwa

• Start Date: 20241001
• Expected Completion Date: 20260115
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: UTC

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Chemical synthesis; Concrete; Cost effectiveness; Cracking; Curing agents; Durability; Nanostructured materials; Vegetable materials
• Subject Areas: Highways; Materials; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01965258
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Southern Plains Transportation Center
• Contract Numbers: 69A3552348306 (CY2-LSU-01)
• Files: UTC, RIP
• Created Date: Sep 11 2025 11:03AM