Research Design & Methods Literature Review

Question: Discuss about theResearch Design Methodsfor Literature Review. Answer: Introduction The present research is undertaken to evaluate and examine the use of nano materials in concrete. Nano materials can be described as the smallest particle of nano-scale dimensions produced by nanotechnology. The materials are used in preparation of concrete with the increasing development in nano-science. In this context, the present research addresses the significance of nonmaterial for construction industry with special reference to concrete. The literature review addresses the past, present and future developments with reference to use of nano-materials in concrete industry. Discussion of Literature Use of Nano-Materials in Concrete Industry As per the views of Chakraborty and Kim (2014) the construction industry is emphasizing on the use of nano-materials for concrete making. Nano-particles can be defined as engineered particles comprising of size 1-100nm developed with the use of nanotechnology. The construction industry of any country contributes heavily to the growth of its GDP (Gross Domestic Product) through providing employment and also energy resources. The construction industry is incorporating the use of nanotechnology materials largely for extending the lifetime of the constructional structures. According to Joharia, Ahmadb and Maslehuddinc (2014) the nano-materials also prevent the occurrence of various hazards such as fire, corrosion, fractures and cracks by incorporating in the concrete. The use of concrete in development of cement results in its better generation by making it more durable and strong. The most important nano-materials being used in the formation of concrete are nano alumina, nano-titania and nano-silica. Nano-Alumina is increasing the mechanical properties of cement through increasing its strength and activating its hydraulic properties. Also, nano-alumina makes cement to settle faster and decreases its temperature by acting like flux. In the opinion of Chuah et al (2014) nano-titania particles are used in development of concrete as it is known to have properties of increasing the stability, anti-corrosiveness and photo-catalytic characteristics of the cement. Also, nano-titania is believed to possess self-cleaning properties and thus makes concrete pollution cleansing and self disinfecting. The use of nano-titania also extends the design life of concrete by disintegrating the organic pollutants into harmless carbon dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight. Thus, buildings encompassing the use of nano-titania stay clean and beautiful for longer duration of time. Spiesz and Brouwers (2014) have stated that Nano-silica is also being largely used in concrete development due to its large tensile strength and large surface area. Also, it is known to have properties of preventing silicosis and reduces the occurrence of pollution when it is being mixed in concrete. The particles of silica also reduce the alkaline properties of concrete and enhance its resistance against the attack of chemical agents. Thus, it can be said that the use of nano-materials plays an important role in decreasing the environment pollution and also increases the durability of concrete. Therefore, it can be said that incorporation of nano-materials is extremely useful for sustainable development of concrete industry. Past, Present and Future use of Nano-Materials in Concrete According to Patil and Pendharkar (2016) nano-materials have extensive potential to be used in the development of construction industry materials. They are providing various advantages to the construction industry through increasing the strength and workability of concrete. The resistance power of concrete gets increased through the incorporation of nano-materials and thus infrastructure developed stays durable and beautiful for longer period of time. The evolution of nano-sconce in the past has caused the development of nano-materials and their use in construction industry. The achievement of better outcomes through their utilization has resulted in their greater use in present days in concrete. They have been used in past to develop germ-free laboratories, hospitals, waterproof buildings and for environment protection. The nano-materials are also used largely in present for preventing the occurrence of environment pollution and increasing the design life of concrete. Yu et al. (2014) have stated that the realization of numerous advantages of nano-materials has caused the RD researchers to examine and analyze their use in concrete in future context. The research and development scientists are actively involved in analyzing the various properties of nano-materials for examining their future potential in concrete development. The scientists have argued that though nano-materials have various potential benefits to be used in construction industry there are also some serious limitations for their use in concrete. The major drawback associated with the use of nano-materials is the occurrence of various health issues with their use as they are smallest particles that can easily enter the respiratory systems of human beings. Also, the high cost involved in the use of nano-materials in concrete making may restrict its extensive use in construction industry. The nano-products are very expensive to be used due to use of high technology devices for producing them. Thus, manufacturers are not adopting the use of nano-materials in development of concrete. The lack of awareness among the manufacturers is also a major factor involved in restricting the use of nano-products in concrete. Research Methodology used in Literature Review The literature review has incorporated the use of qualitative research method to explore and examine the various facts related to use of nano-materials in concrete with reference to past, present and future. The qualitative research method involves collecting information from various academic sources related to the research topic and extracting the key facts from them. Summary of Key Issues and Findings Thus, it can be summarized form the overall literature review carried out nano-materials use in construction industry is very beneficial for supporting its growth and development. Nano-materials increases the design life of concrete thus enhancing the sustainability of infrastructure developed. The use of nanotechnology has caused the development f various new building projects. Thus, nano-science cause large scale changes in the construction industry by providing it various economic benefits. The implications for the future researchers as analyzed from reviewing the literary source related t the topic exist finding the mechanisms by which nano-materials impacts the flow properties of concrete. There is high need to investigate the properties of concrete comprising of varying percentages of nano-materials as partial replacement of cement. References Chuah, S., Pan, Z., Sanjayan, J. G., Wang, C.M., and Duan, W. H. 2014. Nano reinforced cement and concrete composites and new perspective from graphene oxide. Construction and Building Materials 73, pp. 113-124. Jo, B.W., Chakraborty and Kim. K.H. 2014. Investigation on the effectiveness of chemically synthesized nano cement in controlling the physical and mechanical performances of concrete. Construction and Building Materials 70, pp. 1-8. Patil, J. and Pendharkar, U. 2016. Study of Effect of Nanomaterials as Cement Replacement on Physical Properties of Concrete. International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) 3(01), pp. 300-308. Yu, R., Spiesz, P., Brouwers, H.J.H. 2014. Effect of nano-silica on the hydration and microstructure development of Ultra-High Performance Concrete (UHPC) with a low binder amount. Construction and Building Materials 65, pp. 140-150. Yu, R., Tang, P., Spiesz, P., Brouwers,H.J.H. 2014. A study of multiple effects of nano-silica and hybrid fibres on the properties of Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced Concrete (UHPFRC) incorporating waste bottom ash (WBA).Construction and Building Materials 60, pp. 98-110. Yusufa,M.O., Joharia, M.A.M., Ahmadb, Z.A. and Maslehuddinc, M. 2014. Evolution of alkaline activated ground blast furnace slagultrafine palm oil fuel ash based concrete.Materials Design 55, pp. 387-393.