Effect of nano-silica on mechanical properties and durability of self-compacting mortar containing natural zeolite: Experimental investigations and artificial neural network modeling

In this paper, durability and mechanical properties of self-compacting mortars containing various percentage of natural zeolite and nano-silica were assessed experimentally using compressive and flexural strength, water absorption, electrical resistivity and rapid chloride permeability tests. The results showed that the mechanical properties of self-compacting mortars would be increased by increasing the replacement levels of natural zeolite and nano-silica. Addition of natural zeolite and nano-silica increased the electrical resistivity of self-compacting mortars and consequently decreased the permeability of the self-compacting mortars. The chloride ion penetration into self-compacting mortars were decreased by increasing natural zeolite and nano-silica contents. It was also observed that the presence of the pozzolan and nano material has a positive influence on the microstructural properties and hydration process of self-compacting mortars. Additionally, the artificial neural network modeling could efficiently predict the durability mechanical properties of self-compacting mortars.