The effect of antifreeze additives on concrete performance with and without nano-silica at sub-zero temperature

Abstract
The addition of antifreeze agents in concrete has been introduced as a practical solution to mitigate the noxious effects of cold weather on concrete. In this study, the effect of two types of economical and commercially available antifreeze additives: calcium nitrate-based (CN) and urea, on the performance of concrete with and without nano-silica cast and cured under a freezing temperature, was evaluated by setting time, strength development, durability performance, and thermogravimetry. The results showed that nano-modified concrete specimens containing CN acquired the highest mechanical and durability properties.

Keywords: Antifreeze additives; Nano-silica; Sub-zero temperature; Concrete