Mechanical properties of nano-modified foamed cement paste

Abstract Foamed cement paste has been increasingly used as backfilling material in practice. The unique porous structure characteristic significantly influences the mechanical properties of foamed cement paste. This study conducted a series of laboratory tests to investigate the mechanical properties of nano-silica modified foamed cement paste. Foamed cement paste specimens with densities of 0.6 g/cm 3 1.1 g/cm 3 1.5 g/cm 3 were prepared, incorporating nano-silica in varying concentrations from 1 g/L to 5 g/L. The density test and uniaxial compression test were conducted. The results show that the nano-silica improved the density inhomogeneity of the foamed cement paste and increased the peak strength. The optimal nano-silica content was 3 g/L in this study. This study offers a practical approach for enhancing the performance of foamed cement paste in engineering applications.