Suggested Citation:
Haider, Md Mostofa, Souvik Roy, Fabian Paniagua, Somayeh Nassiri, Angel Mateos (2024)

Field Implementation of Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) In Concrete Pavement Test Track

This pilot study aimed to fill the knowledge gap on incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) in concrete pavements in real-world construction settings. The constructability of CNC concrete was evaluated, and the fresh and hardened properties were fully characterised. A series of concrete slabs were placed using ordinary portland cement concrete (OPC mix), portland limestone cement concrete (PLC mix), and PLC-concrete with CNC at a dosage of 0.10% wt. of cementitious materials (CNC mix). CNC and PLC mix showed no significant differences in consistency, workability, and other fresh properties. The addition of CNC did not show significant changes in cumulative heat over PLC. CNC did not lead to notable changes in compressive and flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and electrical resistivity. However, the CNC mix had a notably 9% lower drying shrinkage strain at seven months than the PLC mix. The PLC mix exhibited the lowest water absorption rate, while CNC did not induce significant changes. Overall, this study highlights the constructability of concrete slabs with CNC, with notable contributions of CNC to reducing long-term drying shrinkage.