NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

ABSTRACT
Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas that encompass a number of
disciplines, including civil engineering and construction materials. It seems to hold the key that
allows construction and building materials to replicate the features of natural systems improved
until perfection for millions of years. Traditionally, nanotechnology has been concerned with
developments in most of the fields like microbiology, medicine, electronic, chemical, and
materials sciences. However, the potential for application of many of the developments in the
nanotechnology field in the area of construction engineering has been growing. The objective of
this report is to review the role of nanotechnology in civil engineering applications. It also
discusses the application of instruments to reach material properties of nano-scale.

Carbon nanotubes, Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles, Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticles, Zinc

Oxide Nanoparticles, and many more nanomaterials are used in Constructions and all other
major fields under Civil Engineering. Furthermore, it has been observed that better
understanding and engineering of complex structures made by cement, steel or composite
materials at nano-level will definitely result in a new generation of construction materials with
higher performance in strength, durability, and other properties.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 1

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL

The “Nano” prefix derives from the Greek noun nanos, meaning dwarf. A nanometer (nm) is
one billionth (1 x 10-9) of a meter: the length of about ten atoms placed side-by-side, or
1/80,000th of the thickness of a human hair.

Nanotechnology has many folds and applications in almost all engineering fields. As far as
its application concerned with civil engineering is very significant since the branch itself deals
with various types of construction materials. The properties of various materials may be
enhanced by the applications of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology paves the path for getting
most economical infrastructure, offers longer durability with low cost maintenance. The advent
of nanotechnology has revolutionized the growth of the civil engineering in the areas like
application of protective coatings to prevent corrosion and salt water attacks to the pipes,
reducing heat transfer (fire retarders).

The application of nanotechnology has been proved successful in making insulators, nano
sensors, smart and eco-friendly materials. In fact nanotechnology is not either a new science or
technology but an enhancement of existing technology.

The word “Nano” was derived from the Greek word dwarf which indicates a billionth part.
Nanometer means billionth of a meter. There are two approaches to the nano scale one is from
the top down another is from the bottom up. The top down approach refers to reduction of size
from large to smallest size whereas bottom up approach refers to the construction of materials
from atomic or molecular components.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 2

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

1.2 HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

A more accurate definition of nanotechnology was presented in 1981 by Drexler (Drexler

1981), such as the production with dimensions and precision between 0.1 and 100 nm. In
medium terms, nanotechnology involves the study at microscopic scale (1 nm = 1 × 10-9 m). As a
comparison, one must realize that a strand of human hair has 80,000 nm thickness and that the
DNA double helix has 2 nm diameter. Between 1997 and 2003, the investment in
nanotechnology increased at 40%, reaching up to 35,000 million Euro (Andersen et al., 2007).

Some estimates predict that products and services related to nanotechnology could reach
1,000,000 million Euro per year beyond 2015 (NSF 2001). According to the report of RILEM
TC 197-NCM, “Nanotechnology in construction materials” (Zhu et al., 2004), is the first
document that synthesis in a clear manner the potential of nanotechnology in terms of the
development of construction and building materials, namely:

- The use of nano-particles, carbon nano-tubes, and nano-fibers to increase the strength and
durability of cementitious composites, as well as for pollution reduction.
- Production of cheap corrosion free steel.
- Production of thermal insulation materials with performance of 10 times the current
commercial options.
- Production of coats and thin films with self-cleansing ability and self-colour change to
minimize energy consumption.

Nanotechnology, therefore, allows the design of systems with high functional density, high
sensitivity, special surface effects, large surface area, high strain resistance, and catalytic effects.
All attributes are directly or indirectly the result of the small dimensions of nanoparticles.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 3

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

1.3 NANOMATERIALS IN CIVIL ENGINEERING

1.3.1 Basic Definitions

Nanomaterials: Nanomaterials as a field can be defined as a study of materials with

morphological features on the nanoscale, especially those that have special properties stemming
from the nanoscale dimensions. Nanomaterials are classified into two types: Fullerenes,
Nanoparticles.

Nanoparticles: Liquids or Solids of materials with particle size between 1 and 100 nm.

Nanotechniques or Microscopy methods: The most important and popular instruments for the
investigation of nano-scale in civil engineering.

1.3.2 Commonly used Nanomaterials in Civil Engineering

 Carbon Nanotubes
 Silica Dioxide Nanoparticles
 Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles
 Aluminium Oxide Nanoparticles
 Zirconium Oxide Nanoparticles
 Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
 Iron Nanoparticles
 Silver Nanoparticles

1.3.3 Nanotechnology for Civil Engineering

Nanotechnology can be adopted for several materials and techniques in Civil Engineering to
enhance their performance, which includes

 Concrete
 Steel
 Wood and its Products

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 4

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

 Glass
 Coating
 Pavements
 Fire protections
 Structural Monitoring

1.3.4 Microscopy Methods

 Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
 Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
 X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
 Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)
 Photo Correlation Spectroscopy (PCS)

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 5

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

AUTHORS: Kaizar Hassain and Shaik Rameeja

 Presented an outlook on Importance and Applications of Nanotechnology in Civil

Engineering. This article also enhances the discussion about improvement of vital
construction materials.
 Incorporation of Nano-Titanium to concrete, glass; Nano-tubes or Nanofibrils to wood;
Copper Nanoparticles to steel; Zinc oxide nanoparticles for pavements has been
emphasized keenly with their properties and advantages.
 This further emphasizes teaching nanotechnology to newer engineers by saying that
engineers are obligated to supervise and develop those under them.
 Teaching the real ethics of engineering to freshmen students is one of the most vital
things for an engineering student.

AUTHORS: N.Venkat Rao, M.Rajasekhar, K.Vijayalakshami , M. Vamshykrishna

 This paper tries to review The Future of Civil Engineering with the influence and impact
of Nanotechnology on properties of Materials.
 The basic purpose of using nanosized materials in concrete is to improve compressive
and flexural strengths at early age, it is possible due to the high surface – to volume ratio.
 The paper also throws a special focus on concrete how does it affect various properties of
materials. Nanomaterials in concrete will improve the pore structure of concrete, speed
up the C-S-H gel formation and improve the concrete mechanical and durability
properties
 The maintenance cost of structures has drastically reduced due to the advent of
nanotechnology in making self cleaning, self repairing concretes concludes the paper.

AUTHORS: Md Daniyal, Ameer Azam and Sabih Akhtar

 Presents the Application of Nanomaterials in Civil Engineering and their Properties.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 6

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

 The potential use of carbon nanotubes, SiO2, TiO2, Fe2O3, CuO, ZrO2, ZnO, Al2O3,
CaCO3, Cr2O3 and Ag nanoparticles in the civil engineering has been explored in this
article.
 All possible benefits of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) are presented neatly with their
proportions with different construction materials. CNTs dispersion techniques and effects
are discussed.
 The addition of nanomaterials considerably reduced the initial setting time (IST) as well
as final setting time (FST) of cementitious composite. It has been concluded that the use
of nanomaterials in civil engineering or construction industries presents numerous
opportunities and challenges.

AUTHORS: Amit srivasthava, Kirthi singh

 The present paper reviews the state of the art on the use of nanotechnology in the field of
civil engineering and construction and also discusses its future prospect.
 Also, special emphasis is placed on the future application of nanotechnology in the field
of geotechnical engineering.
 Use of nanomaterials in water purification system by replacing the use of granulated
particles of carbon in filtration with purifiers like Nano Ceram-Pac (NCP).

AUTHORS: Ali Akbar Firoozi, Mohd Raihan Taha, Ali Asghar Firoozi

 History of using Nanotechnology in Civil Enguneering has been presented.

 Applications of Nanotechnology in construction like Nano-cement, Nano-composites,
Nano-glass, Nano-coatings, Nano-steel, Nano particles used for fire protection,
Bactericidal capacity, etc… are enumerated.
 The most important and popular instruments for the investigation of nano-scale in civil
engineering are written from which properties of nano-scale materials can be known for
further application in construction.
 Impacts on Environment, Health and Cost due to the incorporation of nano-materials has
beautifully emphasized.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 7

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 3

NANOMATERIALS

3.1 PROPERTIES:

Carbon Nanotubes:

 Carbon nanotubes are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical tubular geometry of

diameter that ranges from 1 to 100 nm and lengths up to a few millimetres. They are the
strongest and stiffest material known to date and hold great promise for reinforcing
cement-based composites.
 The expected benefits of carbon nanotubes are mechanical durability and Crack
prevention in concrete, Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties in ceramics, Real -
time structural health monitoring capacity.
 They have five times the Young’s modulus and eight times (theoretically 100 times) the
strength of steel, whilst being 1/6th the density.

Figure 1:conceptual diagram of CNTs.

Silicon Dioxide:

 Nano- Silica could significantly increase the compressive strength of concretes

containing large fly ash volume at early age, by filling the pores between large fly ash
and cement particles.
 Nano-Silica decreases the setting time of mortar when compared with silica fume (micro
silica) and reduces bleeding and segregation by the improvement of the cohesiveness.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 8

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

 The microstructure of the cementitious composites can be enhanced with the aid of
nanosilica and consequently producing more durable and sustainable materials.

Figure 2: SEM image of Nanosilica.

Titanium Dioxide:

 It is a white pigment that can used as an additive to cement, paint, concrete, glass
windows due to its Sterilizing properties.
 The abrasion resistance of concrete containing nano-TiO2 is better than that containing
the same amount of nano-SiO2.
 Being hydrophilic gives self cleaning properties to surfaces to which it is applied,
because the rain water is attracted to the surface and form sheets which collect the
pollutants and dirt particles previously broken down and washes them off.
 The resulting concrete surface has a white colour that retains its whiteness very
effectively.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 9

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

Figure3: SEM image of Titanium Dioxide

Figure 4: TiO2 Nanoparticles

Aluminium Oxide:

 It has been reported that Al 2O3 nanoparticles with average particles size of 15 nm can be
used in the concrete as a partial replacement of cement.
 The rate of the pezzolanic reaction is proportional to the amount of surface area available
for reaction.
 The cement could be advantageously replaced in the concrete mixture with nano-Al2O3
particles up to maximum limit of 2.0% with average particle size of 15 nm, the optimal
level of nano-Al2O3 particales content being achieved with 1.0% replacement.

Figure 5:Microscopic image of Aluminium Oxide nanoparticles.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 10

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

Zirconium Oxide:

 Zirconium oxide (or Zirconia) Nano powder or Nano particles are white high surface area
particles with typical dimension of 5 to 100 nanometers and specific surface area in the
25to 50 m2/g range.
 Nano Zirconium shows good aesthetics (Translucency), Superior Physical resistance
(hardness, flexibility, durability), Chemical resistance (practically inert) and is very good
insulator.
 Report says that inclusion of ZrO2 nanoparticles (up to 2.0% by weight) increased the
Compressive, flexural and split tensile of concrete but decreased its setting time and
workability.

Figure 6: Electron microscope image of Zirconium oxide

Zinc oxide :

 Zinc Oxide is a unique material that exhibits semiconducting and piezoelectric dual
properties.
 It is added into various materials and products, including plastics, ceramics, glass,
cement, rubber, points, adhesive, sealants, pigments and fire retardants.
 Partial replacement of cement up to 4% are able to improve the flexural strength and pore
structure of self-compacting concrete and recover the negative effects of polycarboxylate
superplasticizer.
 As a result, the hydration of cement is increased and larger amounts of reaction products
are formed.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 11

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

Figure 7: Zinc oxide Nanoparticles

Ferric Oxide:

 The addition of Fe2O3 nanoparticles improved the strength properties of concrete but
decreased its setting time and workability.
 They can be used for environmental remediation of contaminants. They can be used for
degradation of various organic Contaminants’ such as chlorinated organic solvents,
organochlorine pesticides, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBS) and organic dyes.
 The properties of samples containing up to 3% Fe2O3 nanoparticles are desirable than
the conventional cement mortar.

Figure 8: Iron nanoparticles

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 12

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

Silver Nanoparticles:

 The Silver nanoparticles are coated on the surface of any materials, the surface area
increases several million times than the normal silver foil.
 The silver nanoparticles can be used as an additive in paints to inactivate pathogenic
microorganisms and give antimicrobial properties to the surfaces for instance hospital
walls.
 This is because of the fact that the silver nanoparticles have inherent properties to reduce
the growth and multiplication of fungi, viruses and bacteria, which causes itchiness,
infection, odour and sore.

Figure 9: Silver Nanoparticles

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 13

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 4

MICROSCOPY METHODS

4.1 MICROSCOPY METHODS:

Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM):

AFM is a kind of scanning probe microscopes (SPM). SPMs are designed to measure local
properties, such as height, friction, and magnetism, with a probe.The AFM tip “gently” touches
the surface and records the small force between the probe and the surface. The AFM can be used
to study a wide variety of samples (i.e. soil, concrete, plastic, metals, glasses, semiconductors) .

Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM):

The SEM uses a focused beam of high-energy electrons to generate a variety of signals at the
surface of solid specimens. The signals that derive from the electron-sample interactions reveal
information about the sample, including external morphology (texture), chemical composition,
crystalline structure, and the orientation of materials making up the sample.

X-Ray Diffraction (XRD):

XRD can be used to look at single crystal or polycrystalline materials. A beam of x-rays is sent
into the sample, and the way the beam is scattered by the atoms in the path of the x-ray is
studied. The scattered x-rays constructively interfere with each other. XRD can be time
consuming and require a large volume of sample.

Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM):

TEM uses an electron beam to interact with a sample to form an image on a photographic plate
or specialist camera. High-Resolution TEM (HRTEM) looks at the interference of the electron
beam by the sample rather than the absorbance of the beam as with ordinary TEM. This gives a
higher resolution, which is beneficial when studying nano-scale samples. However, it does
require the understanding of the sample to allow interpretation of the results, as the phase-

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 14

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

contrast resulting information can be difficult to interpret. This can, therefore, restrict the use of
HRTEM.

Photo Correlation Specroscopy (PCS):

PCS measures the scattered pattern produced when light is shown through a sample. It combines
this with calculations of the diffusion caused by Brownian Motion in the sample in a relationship
described in the Stokes-Einstein equation. This will give the radius of a particle, and therefore,
the estimation of the average particle size and distribution of particles through the sample. The
sample must be a liquid, solution or suspension. It must also be very dilute or the scattering of
light can be unclear.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 15

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 5

APPLICATIONS

5.1 CONCRETE

 Nanotechnology is used to study properties of concrete like heat of hydration, alkali

aggregate reaction particularly alkali silicate reaction.
 Production of alkali and silica in cement and aggregates cause ASR. It can be controlled
can be reduced using pozzolona replacement forcement.
 Properties of concrete may be altered in so many ways. One of the best ways is the
incorporation of nanoparticles.
 Nano particles in terms of nano silica, nano clays, nano titanium Oxide (TiO2), Nano
Iron (Fe2 O3), Nano alumina (Al2 O3), Cuo, ZnO2 and ZrO2. Nanomaterials in concrete
will improve the pore structure of concrete, speed up the C-S-H gel formation and
improve the concrete mechanical and durability properties.
 Carbon-Nano tubes increase the compressive strength properties which can be used for
health monitoring and damage detection. The addition of small amounts of carbon
nanotubes can improve the mechanical properties of mixture samples of Portland cement
and water.
 The problem of low strength at early stage may be overcome by the incorporation of
Nano-Silica which improves the density and structure of the concrete. The addition of
Nano- Silica improves resistance to segregation and also auguments the strength of
hardened concrete and offers more repulsion towards water absorption and prevents
calcium leaching. Nano iron imparts the ability of self sensing and also improves its
compressive and Flexural strength.
 Nano titanium helps the concrete for self cleaning.
 The self compacting concrete column with nano fibre is stiffer than steel reinforced
concrete column.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 16

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

5.2 STEEL

 Fatigue is a major problem leads to the failure when it is subjected to cyclic loading.
Fatigue of the steel will be reduced by adding copper nano particles. When copper nano
particles are added to the steel the surface of the finished steel become smooth and even.
 It is experimentally proved that reinforced structures made of CNTs are excellent in
tensile strength compared to conventional steel – reinforced structures.
 Vanadium and molybdenum nanoparticles improve the delayed fracture problems
associated with high strength bolts, reducing the effects of hydrogen embrittlement and
improving the steel micro-structure.
 The addition of nanoparticles of magnesium and calcium leads to an increase in weld
toughness.

5.3 WOOD AND ITS PRODUCTS

 Wood is composed of nanotubes or “nano fibrils”; namely, lignocelluloses (woody tissue)

elements which are twice as strong as nano fibrils would lead to a new paradigm in
sustainable construction as both the production and use would be part of a renewable
cycle.
 Highly water repellent coatings incorporating Silica and alumina nanoparticles and
hydrophobic polymers are proper to be used for wood.

5.4 GLASS

 The use of TiO2 nanoparticles to glasses leads to so- called Self cleaning Technology.
 Fireproductive glass is obtained using fumed silica (SiO2) nanoparticles as a clear
interlayer sandwiched between two glass panels which turns into a rigid and opaque fire
shield when heated. Tungsten Trioxide can be used for electro chromic window panes
 Titanium dioxide disintegrates the organic wastes. The glass made of titanium dioxide
attracts rain water, thus water cleans the dirt on the glass.
 Nano TiO2 coatings are applied to outside of buildings to prevent sticking of pollutants it
reduces the maintenance costs. As TiO2 exhibits hydrophobic properties it can be used in
anti fogging coatings.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 17

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

5.5 COATINGS

 Nanotechnology is applied to paints in order to assume corrosion protection under

insulation since it is hydrophobic and repels water from the metal pipe and can also
protect metal from salt water attack.
 Titania Nanoparticles coating can enable self cleaning surfaces. They are also used to
enhance the abrasion resistance of surface.
 Coatings are routinely used as protective barriers against abrasion, chemical attack,hydro-
thermal variations and to improve aesthetics. Currently, most of these coatings are in the
micrometer range.
 New materials and techniques are being developed to develop nano-meter thick coatings
that are durable and generate less heat due to reduced friction.
 Other special coatings also have been developed, such as anti-fraffiti, thermal control,
energy sawing, antireflection coating.

5.6 PAVEMENTS

 Nanotechnology is found best suitable in making pavements. Pavements should be very

strong, durable, resistant to weathering, wearing and skid resistant. The pavements with
all these features were successfully possible with the applications of ZnO2 nano si lica
particles.
 Water logging on roads causes weathering it can be avoided by means of proper drainage
and quick run-off. Hydrophobic roads, made of nano particles facilitate fast run-off.

5.7 FIRE PROTECTIONS

 It has been found that nano-cement mixing with carbon nanotubes (CNT) with
cementious material to fabricate fibre composites has outstanding properties of high
strength (Makar et al., 2003) and fire resistance.
 Polypropylene fibres are also considered as a method of increasing fire resistance and
this is a cheaper option than conventional insulation.
 Fire resistance of steel structures is often provided by a coating produced by a spray-on
cementitious process. Current portland cement based coatings are not popular because

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 18

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

they need to be thick, tend to be brittle and polymer additions are needed to improve
adhesion.
 The use of processors in fire detection systems which are built into each detector head is
fairly well established today.

5.8 STRUCTURAL MONITORING OR NANOSENSORS

 Nano and microelectrical mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors have been developed and
used in construction to monitor and/or control the environment condition and the
materials/structure performance. One advantage of these sensors is their dimension (10-
9m to 10-5m).
 These sensors could be embedded into the structure during the construction process.
Smart aggregate, a low cost piezoceramic-based multi-functional device, has been
applied to monitor early age concrete properties such as moisture, temperature, relative
humidity and early age strength development.
 Some of the sensors fixed in structures indicate the stress, strain vibrations acting on the
structures.
 It is capable of providing an early indication of the health of the structure before a failure
of the structure can occur.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 19

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 6

BENEFITS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

BENEFITS:

Nano-particles are used to strengthen building materials and render them more flexible, thus
resistant to shock and impact. Research is attempting to develop other applications.

 Economical:
Life-Cycle
Maintenance Cost
Labor Pricing and Profit
Customer Satisfaction
Market Value and Brand Image
 Sustainability:
Energy Efficiency
Material Consumption
Social and Ethical Benefits
Reduced levels of several Environmental pollutants
 Size Reduction
 Safe Design of Materials
 Global Warming Minimization

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 20

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

TABLE 1: Nanomaterials used in constructions with possible benefits.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 21

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 7

IMPACTS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY

The intiative of nanotechnology has tremendous impact on engineering and its influence is
profound and promissing on civil engineering. Its presence is very much significance as civil
engineeiring is mostly related to building materials suchaas concrete, steel, glass and wood. The
major impacts in construction field correlating nanotechnology are,

 HEALTH IMPACTS
 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
 COST

HEALTH

Nanotechnology based construction products might be harmful to health. For example, the
nanotubes might cause a lung problem to construction workers. In other words, it creates an
environmental challenge to the construction industry as well.

For example, both carbon nanotubes (SWNT and MWNT) can show antibacterial properties
and pose a potential hazard because they exert side effects on the lungs, damage the cell
membrane, slow down the respiratory functions, harm the mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid
(DNA), etc. Similarly, TiO2 nanoparticles irradiated through ultraviolet light or sunlight produce
reactive oxygen species (ROS), which cause DNA damage, cytotoxicity and inflammation in
mammals. Likewise, SiO2 nanoparticles have been reported to exert carcinogenic activity, harm
the bacteria due to ROS productions and are toxic to marine algae, etc.. Also, the copper oxide or
copper nanoparticles induce oxidative stress and DNA damage in human, algae, bacteria and
yeasts cells.

ENVIRONMENT

The effect of various nano-materials on natural environment is hotly debated in

nanotechnology and environmental researches. Various ongoing investigations have focused on

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 22

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

the uncertainty regarding the potential effects of materials that exist on nano-scale with
properties that are different than when using the material on a micro or macro scale (NNI 2003).
Some work in this regard shows that the potential effects may be minimal (Tong et al. 2007). As
constructed infrastructure are provided in natural environment, all materials used in the
construction and maintenance of these facilities need to be compatible to the natural envir onment
and their effects on natural environment should not be negative.

Typical potential problems in this regard include leaching of materials into groundwater,
releasing materials into airways through the generation of dust, and exposing potential ly harmful
materials during construction and maintenance operations. The nanotechnology becomes a
double-edged sword to the construction industry. More researches and practice efforts are needed
with smart design and planning so that construction projects can be made sustainable, and
therefore, save energy, reduce resource usage, and avoid damages to the environment.

COST

The costs of most nanotechnology materials and equipment are relatively high. This is due to
the novelty of the technology and the complexity of the equipment used for preparation and
characterization of the materials (Mann 2006). However, costs have been shown to decrease over
time and the expectations are that, as manufacturing technologies improve, these costs may
further decrease.

Whether the expected decrease will render the materials as run-of-the mill construction
engineering materials will have to be seen, and depends largely on the benefits rendered through
the application of these materials. Current opinion is that in special cases, the materials will
enable unique solutions to complicated problems that cause them to be cost effective, which will
lead to large scale application of these specific technologies. In other cases, the traditional
methods for treating the problem may still remain the most cost effective. It is a challenge to the
construction engineer to solve real world transportation infrastructure problems and provide a
facility to the general public at a reasonable cost.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 23

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 8

DEMERITS

LIMITATIONS:

The use of nanomaterials in construction is reduce, mainly for the following reasons.

 The lack of Knowledge concerning the suitable nanomaterials for construction and their
behavior.
 The reduce Portfolio of Nano products.
 The lack of details information’s regarding the Nano products content.
 It is a High Costs.
 The Unknown health risks associated with nanomaterial.
 The addition of nanomaterials considerably reduced the workability of cementitious
composites.
 The mechanical strengths and durability properties of cementitious composite were
found to be decreased at higher dosages of nanomaterials.

What Needs to be Done?

To increase the use of Nanomaterials in the Construction fields, research needs to be done
encompassing the following area.

 The choice of nanomaterials with potential use in Construction and the Study of their
Characteristics.
 The behavioral study of the building elements that contain nanomaterials under various
loads.
 The development of Specific design and construction standards.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 24

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

CHAPTER 9

CONCLUSION

The initiative of nanotechnology has tremendous impact on engineering and its influence is
profound and promising on civil engineering. Its presence is very much significance as civil
engineering is mostly related to building materials such as concrete, steel, glass and wood.

Nanotechnology has helped in creating most efficient and effective materials with excellent
engineering properties. The maintenance cost of structures has drastically reduced due to the
advent of nanotechnology in making self cleaning, self repairing concretes.

Nanotechnology has also helped to improve the durability of materials by providing fire
resistance and anti corrosive paintings. The scope of nanotechnology is being extended to the
every nook and corner of civil engineering field, still a lot of awareness and research should be
carried out to exploit its benefits.

No doubt nanotechnology will help to bring out the materials with new properties and
excellent functional ability. The materials made of nanotechnology also enhance the life span of
the structures to the longer periods.

A paradigm has already started in construction industry with the application of

nanotechnology and the technology will totally transforms the construction industry. It will
create a big impact on technology and business if the nanotechnology is used properly in the
lines of technology and business as it has a huge market potential and economic impact.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 25

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

REFERENCES

 N. Venkat Raoa*, M. Rajasekharb, K. Vijayalakshmic, M. Vamshykrishnad – “The

Future of Civil Engineering with the Influence and Impact of Nanotechnology on
Properties of Materials”, 2nd International Conference on Nanomaterials and
Technologies (CNT 2014); Procedia Materials Science 10 ( 2015 ) 111 – 115.
 Md Daniyal, Ameer Azam and Sabih Akhtar – “Chapter 6 -Application of Nanomaterials
in Civil Engineering” https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320630017.
 Kaizar Hossain & Shaik Rameeja – “Importance of Nanotechnology in Civil
Engineering” ; European Journal of Sustainable Development (2015), 4, 1, 161-166
ISSN: 2239-5938. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/277553417.
 Amit Srivastava & Kirti Singh –“ NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CIVIL ENGINEERING
AND CONSTRUCTION: A REVIEW ON STATE OF THE ART AND FUTURE
PROSPECTS”; Proceedings of Indian Geotechnical Conference December 15-17, 2011,
Kochi (Paper No.R-024). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/266602017.
 Ali Akbar Firoozi , Mohd Raihan Taha & others –“ Nanotechnology in Civil
Engineering” ; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287283673.
 Ashwani K. Rana1, Shashi B Rana, Anjna Kumari and Vaishnav Kiran-“ Significance of
Nanotechnology in Construction Engineering”; International Journal of Recent Trends in
Engineering, Vol 1, No. 4, May 2000
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228915597.
 www.sciencedirect.com.

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 26

 NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 2020

GOVERNMENT ENGINEERING COLLEGE, KUSHALNAGAR Page 27