Nano Technology in Civil Engineering Essay

Nanotechnology is one of the closely active inquiry argonas that encompass a number of disciplines including civil engine room and aspect materials. Nano verbalismTraditionally, nanotechnology has been concerned with readyments in the heavenss of microelectronics, medicine and materials sciences. However, the potential for function of many of the developments in the nanotechnology field in the ara of pull engineering is growing. In this paper a broad overview of the potential application of heterogeneous nanotechnology developments in the construction engineering field is discussed, and the potential for further fundamental research that may flatus to improved organisations is evaluated.NonotechnologyNanotechnology is a field that is dominated by developments in basic physics and chemistry research, where phenomena on atomic and molecular level are utilize to provide materials and social systems that perform tasks that are not attainable apply the materials in the ir typical macroscopic form. Theevolution of technology and instrumentation as well as its related scientific areas such(prenominal)(prenominal) as physics and chemistry are making the research on nanotechnology aggressive and evolutional. not surprisingly, it is observed that expenditure on nanotechnology research is signifi hindquarterst. However, the research is primary(prenominal)ly wretched forward motivated by immediate profitable return generated by high value commercial products .It has been established by study, nanotechnology in construction ranked 8 of 10 applications that most likely brace pertain in the developing world. Nanotechnology covers the traffic pattern, construction and utilization of functional constructions with at to the lowest degree one characteristic dimension measured in nanometers. The field of nanotechnology has positive in major(ip) leaps during the past 10 years. These developments were mainly driven by factors such as dedicated initiatives in the field (e.g. the National Nanotechnology Initiative) , performance OF NANOTECHNOLOGY INCONSTRUCTIONNanotechnology can be apply for design and construction processes in many areas since nanotechnology generated products have many queer characteristics. These include products that are for Lighter social system Stronger structural composites e.g. for bridges etc Low aid application Improving pipe joining materials and techniques Better properties of cementumitious materials Reducing the thermal transfer rate of fire retardant and insulation Increasing the earpiece absorption of acoustic absorber Increasing the reflectivity of glass.There are declamatory numbers of applications of nanotechnology in construction engineering/in cleanry. Some of these applications are examined in detail below. ConcreteConcrete is one of the most common and astray used construction materials. The rapid development of brisk experimental techniques makes it possible to study the properti es of cementitious materials at micro/nano-scale. Research has been conducted to study the hydration process, alkali-silicate reception (ASR), and gasify ash reactivity using nanotechnology. The better understandingof the structure and behavior of concrete at micro/nano-scale could help to improve concrete properties and prevent the illness, such as ASR. Addition of nanoscale materials into cement could improve its performance. In , Li (2004) found that nano-SiO2 could significantly increase the compressive for concrete, containing large volume fly ash, at early age and improve pore size distribution by filling the pores between large fly ash and cement particles at nanoscale.The dispersion/slurry of amorphous nanosilica is used to improve segregation opponent for self-compacting concrete. It has also been reported that adding small amount of carbon nanotube (1%) by weight could increase both compressive and flexural strength . Cracking is a major concern for many structures. Wh en the microcapsules are broken by a crack, the ameliorate agent is released into the crack and contact with the catalyst. The polymerization happens and bond the crack faces. The selfhealing polymer could be e peculiar(prenominal)ly applicable to fix the microcracking in bridge piers and columns. But it requires dearly-won epoxy injection.Structural CompositesSteel is a major construction material. Its properties, such as strength, eroding resistance, and weld ability, are very important for the design and construction. FHWA together with American Iron and Steel Institute and the U.S. Navy started to develop new, low carbon, high-performance steel (HPS) for bridges in 1992.Nano with concreteThe new steel was developed with higher corrosion-resistance and weld ability by incorporating slob nanoparticles from at the steel grain boundaries. Sandvik NanoflexTM is new stainless steel with ultra-high strength, vertical formability, and a good surface finish developed by Sandvik Nano flex Materials Technology. cod to its high performance, Sandvik NanoflexTM is suitable for application which requires lightweight and rigid designs. Its good corrosion and wear resistance can keep bread and butter-cycle be low. Attractive or wear resistant surfaces can be achieved by various treatments (Sandvik Nanoflex Materials Technology). MMFX2 is nanostructure-modified steel, produced by MMFX Steel Corp.Wireless sensors based on nanotechnology are used to qui vive engineers Compared with the conventional steel, it has a fundamentally different microstructure- alaminated lath structure resembling plywood. This unique structure provides MMFX2 steel with amazing strength (three times stronger), ductility, toughness, and corrosion resistance. imputable to high personify, the stainless steel reinforcement in concrete structure is limited in high risk environments. The MMFX2 steel could be an alternative because it has the similar corrosion resistance to that of stainless steel , but at a much lower exist (MMFX Steel Corp.).Nano coatingsCoatingThe coatings incorporating certain nanoparticles or nanolayers have been developed for certain purpose. It is one of the major applications of nanotechnology in construction. For example, TiO2 is used to coat glazing because of its sterilizing and anti fouling properties. The TiO2 will break down and disintegrate thorough damn through powerful catalytic reaction . Furthermore, it is hydrophilic, which allow the pissing to spread evenly over the surface and wash away dirt previously broken down. Other special coatings also have been developed, such as anti-fraffiti, thermal control, energy sawing, and anti-reflection coating.NanosensorsNano and microelectrical mechanical systems (MEMS) sensors have been developed and used in construction to monitor and/or control the environment turn back and the materials/structure performance. One advantage of these sensors is their dimension (10-9m to 10-5m).Nano sensorsThese sensors could be embedded into the structure during the construction process. Smart aggregate, a low cost Piezoceramic-based multi-functional device has been utilize to monitor early age concrete properties such as moisture, temperature, proportional humidity and early age strength development. The sensors can also be used to monitor concrete corrosion and cracking. The hurt aggregate can also be used for structure health monitoring. The disclosed system can monitor internal stresses, cracks and some other physicalforces in the structures during the structures life. It is able-bodied of providing an early indication of the health of the structure before a nonstarter of the structure can occur.FUTURE CHALLENGE AND DIRECTIONAs with most developing technologies, a major number of challenges subsist during the initiation of the application of the technology into reality. It is important to be realistic and identify and plan for the limitations and challenges entire in this proce ss. In this section a short summary of selected challenges and limitations touch on application of nanotechnology in construction engineering are provided. The following main challenges and limitations can be defined Fabrication, Health, Environment and CostFabrication on-going efforts in the field of nanotechnology are focused on the fabrication, characterization and use of these materials on a nanoscale domain. This leads to most of the development work focusing on very small quantities of material that is typically far removed from the token of quantities need for typical construction infrastructure. One of the potential solutions to this is to focus on the nano materials to act as catalyser, thereby reducing the amount of nano material required substantially.Another viewpoint is that for many applications, the material does not necessarily have to be used on a nano scale to obtain a major improvement in benefits. This would be the case with reduction of the dimensions of ceme nt, where a substantial improvement in strength can already be obtained through the large scale milling of the cement to a finer form than the traditional form. Although the cement may not be rigorously a nano material as yet, the benefits obtained would already be substantial.Nano in roadsHealthNanotechnology based construction products mightiness be harmful to health. For example, the nanotubes 14 might cause a lung problem to construction workers. In other words, it creates an environmental challenge to the construction industry as well.EnvironmentThe effect of various nonmaterials on the natural environment is hotly debated in nanotechnology and environmental research. motley ongoing investigations focus on the uncertainty imageing the potential effects of materials that exist on the nanoscale with properties that are different than when using the material on a micro or macro scale. Some work in this regard shows that the potential effects may be minimal. As constructed infr astructure are provided in the natural environment, all materials used in the construction and maintenance of these facilities need to be compatible to the natural environment and their effects on the natural environment should not be negative.Typical potential problems in this regard include leaching of materials into groundwater, release of materials into airways through the generation of dust and exposure to potentially harmful materials during construction and maintenance operations. The nanotechnology becomes a double-edge brand name to the construction industry. More research and practice efforts are needed with smart design and planning, construction projects can be made sustainable and and then save energy, reduce resource usage, and avoid damages to environment.CostThe costs of most nanotechnology materials and equipment are relatively high. This is due to the allegoryty of the technology and the complexness of the equipment used for preparation and characterization of t he materialsNano Technology in Transportation planHowever, 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 decreases will render the materials as run-of-the-mill construction engineering materials will have to be seen, and depends by and large 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 the challenge to theconstruction engineer to solve real world merchant vessels infrastructure problems and provide a facility to the general public at a reasonable cost.CONCLUSIONSNanotechnology is a rapidly expanding area of r esearch where novel properties of materials manufactured on the nanoscale can be utilized for the benefit of construction infrastructure A number of promising developments exist that can potentially change the service life and life-cycle cost of construction infrastructure. Focused research into the timeous and directed research into nanotechnology for construction infrastructure should be pursued to consider that the potential benefits of this technology can be obtained to provide longer life and more economical transport infrastructureREFERENCESwww.asme.org/nanowebcastwww.aggregateresearch.comwww.nanoforum.orgwww.gogle.com