Optimizing concrete strength through the incorporation of steel nails: a comprehensive engineering analysis

Faraz Ali Channa; Ans Mehmood; Faizan Anwar; Sardar Junaid Asad; Muhammad Shahbaz; Muhammad Adil Khan

doi:10.47264/idea.ajset/3.1.6

Authors

Faraz Ali Channa School of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China. https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1396-3321
Ans Mehmood School of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6932-4053
Faizan Anwar Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8257-5194
Sardar Junaid Asad Department of Civil Engineering, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan. https://orcid.org/0009-0006-1450-5757
Muhammad Shahbaz Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Deep Earth Sciences and Geothermal Energy Exploitation and Utilization, Institute of Deep Earth Sciences and Green Energy, College of Civil and Transportation Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China. https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4242-5909
Muhammad Adil Khan National Engineering Services Pakistan (NESPAK), Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8114-6575

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47264/idea.ajset/3.1.6

Keywords:

ASTM standards, Steel nail modified concrete, Compressive strength, Concrete properties, Materials innovation, Steel nail, Nail-modified concrete, Reinforced concrete, Concrete mixture

Abstract

The primary materials utilized in contemporary buildings are concrete and reinforced concrete. Researchers applied many methods to improve their quality and reduce costs by adding additives. The primary focus of this investigation is the compressive strength of concrete. After adding varying amounts of steel nails to the concrete mixture, the ensuing changes in compressive strength are subjected to a comprehensive analysis. Mix design was conducted, and concrete cylinders having a diameter of 4” and height of 8” were produced with varying percentages of steel nails: 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% of the cement weight. The mixture was prepared, maintaining a constant water-to-cement ratio of 0.5. The compressive strength of the concrete is measured at 3, 7, 14, and 28 days after the mixing process. It was determined that steel nail incorporation increased compressive strength. With a 5% mix, the highest strength measured is 4775 pounds per square inch, much higher than the normal strength required for most construction projects. Furthermore, using steel nails led to a cost reduction in concrete of up to 0.5%, alongside a strength enhancement of up to 24% compared to conventional concrete.