Influence of Cracking on the Durability of Reinforced Concrete with Carbon Nanotubes

This study focuses on the influence of natural and artificially induced cracks durability concrete reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT). Pre-cracked mixes, unreinforced or 0.1% CNT, are characterized in terms capillary absorption, carbonation, chloride penetration resistance, compared to uncracked reference concrete. The mechanical strength properties were improved CNT-reinforced concrete, without significantly affecting its density workability. efficiency CNT was higher when previously subjected drying conditions. For all tested properties, incorporation effective reducing artificial durability. main contribution occurred crack surrounding region. Depending analyzed property cracking conditions, significant reduction cracked may be 10–30% attenuated is incorporated. effect more pronounced mechanically cracks, where better participate their vicinity.