Structural Behavior of RC Frame Buildings Modified with Bentonite and TiO2 Nanomaterials

Abstract

The paper presents the influence of adding bentonite and titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the concrete mix on the structural behavior of a 5-story reinforced concrete building. Two nanomaterial combinations were added to the concrete mix: 1.5%B 0.5% TiO2 (COMB 1) and 1.5%B 0.75% TiO2 (COMB 2). The modal and displacement analysis were performed. Due to the increase in the modulus of elasticity and the decrease in density of the nanoparticle-modified concrete, a more rigid structure was obtained compared to the reference one. Both the fundamental vibration periods and the relative story drifts values registered a decrease for the nanomaterial-modified concrete structures compared to reference structure. An analysis of the influence that the addition of nanomaterials in the concrete mix has on the required reinforcement quantity was done. From a practical perspective, their influence was not significant. To sum up, adding bentonite and titanium dioxide in the concrete mix improves the structural behavior. However, more studies should be done to increase even more the strength and the modulus of elasticity of the modified-concrete mix, so that to obtain a higher positive impact on the structure.