Nanomaterials in concrete: a step forward in improving the durability of concrete structures

he present paper summarizes the experience of the last four years regarding the use of nanomaterials for concrete in the framework of the H2020 project ReSHEALience (GA760824). The main goals of this project have been to extend the service life and to reduce the maintenance costs of concrete structures subjected to very aggressive environments, rich in chlorides and sulphates. It has been demonstrated that both objectives can be reached using high performance and durable materials such as Ultra High Performance Fiber Reinforced Concrete with nanomaterials. The nanomaterials employed in this research have been alumina nanofibers, cellulose nanocrystals and cellulose nanofibers. Their effects have been analyzed in terms of mechanical, durability and self-healing properties.