Keyword

51.1 Introduction

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are now being used in civil engineering at the turn of the century. The recognition of nanomaterials’ enhanced strength and lower density had already solved numerous building and construction constraints. The study of handling materials at the nanometre scale and then using the characteristics and properties of this dimension in different techniques, materials, and systems is known as nano science and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is involved with particles whose size range between 1 and 100 nanometres (1 × 10 m = 1–9 nanometres). In analytics related to nanotechnology science, there is requirement of advanced imaging tools and different tools for optimization related to different composite material fabrication as well as their engineering from the raw base nanomaterials in form of solids, fluids, liquids or in molten form, fine powders with particle sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometres (Saurav 2012). Nanotechnology enables the development of matrixes with high sensitivity, high-density, specific catalytic and high strain resistance, wider coverage area, and catalytic effects (Syed 2014). However, the potential for nanotechnology to be used in the field of construction engineering is continuing to expand. According to recent researches it has been found that (Mann 2006) new nanotechnology-based goods will have a significant impact on people’s quality of life, the environment, and defence capabilities. The paper reviews the application of nanotechnology in building construction material. This paper introduces and emphasizes the use of nanomaterials in construction. The purpose is to report the scientific reference of the various requisites associated with the scope of nanotechnology and hence providing an allied reference to correspond these nanotechnology science issues to various relevant stakeholders and dealers.

51.2 Importance of Nanotechnology in Building Materials

Building materials play the major role in construction industry being the main constituting material of the infrastructures. Most significant structural, economic and aesthetic aspects are associated with the building materials. Cement, bricks, concrete, timber, stones, steel, glass, polymers and a variety of metals have been among the most construction materials (Bigley and Greenwood 2003). Humans used stone and timber to build shelters against natural calamities, animals, and other calamities in the past, since these are the ancient materials. Building materials, like all other things, have continued to evolve, including concrete and steel presently dominating in the building and construction industry. New smart materials are being designed and developed by researchers and engineers across the world as a result of technological advancements, and this process is indeed maintain track.

51.3 Application of Nanotechnology in Building Materials

A brief overview of different domains of nanotechnology science in the construction and building materials is shown in the Flow Chart 51.1 below. Important environmentally safe nanomaterials with potential use in construction industry are discussed here in Table 51.1 below.

Flow Chart 51.1
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Overview of use of nanotechnology in building materials

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Table 51.1 Environmentally safe nanomaterials with potential use in construction
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51.4 Drawbacks and Future Challenges

Despite all the numerous advantages of Nano based materials, vast amount of confronts and challenges exist which are associated with the practical implementation and use of nano particles. Health issues is one of the main concerns associated with the use of nanoparticles and nanotechnology. As nanoscale particles are credibly extra responsive in comparison to that of the same material present in majority i.e in bulk volume. So the repercussions and effects should be potentially recognized and proper prevention and eradication methods and techniques should be employed. The main challenges which are faced in using nanoparticles and nano technology in construction industry are shown in Flow Chart 51.2 below.

Flow Chart 51.2
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Challenges faced in using nano particles and nanotechnology in construction industry

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51.5 Conclusions

Although the overall market segment of nanoparticle-based composite materials and products in the construction sector is not such significant and regarded as a part in only niche markets, but it is anticipated to expand in the upcoming times. Because nanoparticles are clearly imperative in providing an innovative and effective framework for the processing, designing, fabricating and manufacturing of materials in the building and construction industry. It is concluded that the usage of nanomaterials and application nano technology in construction industry is feasible and workable in four main domains of expansion: cement and concrete manufacturing; coatings and paintings; sound and thermal insulations, additive in word, glass, steel etc. Hence the application of nano based structural and functional materials during design, development, construction, manufacturing of building materials and also for repair and protection of structures should be more emphasized and research in this domain should be encouraged for attaining the desirable usage.