The role of nanoparticles in decreased washout of underwater concrete

Abstract The paper presents research results of the influence of SiO2 nanoparticles on the washout of underwater concrete and hardened concrete. Based on infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric (TGA) analyses of the applied anti-washout admixture (AWA), its chemical structure was determined. A beneficial effect of SiO2 nanoparticles on the reduction of the mix washout was demonstrated and the most probable reason for that phenomenon was given, taking into account the AWA chemical structure and its behaviour in the concrete mix environment. It was found that a dosing method of AWA and nanoparticles to the concrete influenced the washout.