facebook Pixel
Digital Construction Hub
  • Home
  • Digital Construction
    • Strategy & Planning
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Offsite
    • O&M
  • Events
    • Construction Technology Confex
    • Property Technology ConFex
  • About Us
  • Login
  • Join The Community
No Result
View All Result
Digital Construction Hub
  • Home
  • Digital Construction
    • Strategy & Planning
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Offsite
    • O&M
  • Events
    • Construction Technology Confex
    • Property Technology ConFex
  • About Us
  • Login
  • Join The Community
No Result
View All Result
Digital Construction Hub
No Result
View All Result
Home Digital Construction Construction

Nanotechnology and improving construction performance

January 17, 2021
in Construction, Digital Construction, O&M
Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Nanotechnology in building construction materials

The application of nanotechnology in construction

Nanotechnology is a promising hi-tech invention for the construction sector that will improve durability and enhance the industry’s performance

Nanotechnology is defined as the application of materials that are typically 100 nanometers (nm) or less in size. Most notable applications of nanotechnology are found in electronics, energy harvesting and medicine. But it is slowly gaining attention and proving to be beneficial for the construction industry as well. 

Several applications have been developed to improve the durability and enhance performance of construction components, energy-efficiency and buildings safety, facilitating the ease of maintenance and provide increased living comfort.

This content is for members only. Please Login or Register

Register now as a DCHUB member and receive all the membership benefits
Access to quarterly knowledge-sharing, workshops & networking events
Access to live webinars
Access to in-depth analysis, case studies, reports
Members’ newsletter
Access to training / education content
Access to weekly industry content

Nanotechnology can enhance the properties and functions of construction materials, as well as be used for energy conservation. Experts have predicted that through use of nanotechnology, the environmental quality of buildings can be improved.

To date, it has found use in construction materials such as:

  • Concrete
  • Wood
  • Glass
  • Steel
  • Coating
  • Fire Resistance
  • Structural Monitoring

The addition of nanoparticles leads to stronger, more durable, self-healing, air purifying, fire resistant, easy to clean and quick compacting concrete. Some of the nanoparticles that could be used for these features are nano silica (silica fume), nanostructured metals, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs). Current pressure to reduce CO2 emissions from the manufacture of cement is guiding researchers to use nanotechnology to change its processing conditions, reducing its carbon footprint.

It is also expected that the development of new lightweight, flame-retardant, self-healing and resilient construction materials, such as nanocomposites, will be helped by nanotechnology. New insulating materials have been developed with the help of advances in nanotechnologies, namely nanofoams, nanostructured aerogels and vacuum.

In January 2020, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) along with its Rail Agency began a trial-run of using nanotechnology at the Noor Bank station. The technology reduced the cost of cleaning the station’s exterior by 35%, decreased the required frequency for cleaning and maintenance and enhanced the protection of front-ends and floors of both stations and trains. Its use also enhanced floor resistance to scratching and adhesion, facilitated self-cleaning and boosted thermal insulation characteristics.

Nanotechnology in Construction 

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nanotechnology:

Advantages:

  • Reduces production, maintenance and retrofitting costs
  • Fixes current construction problems at a much faster pace
  • Helps construction materials to achieve self-cleaning, self-healing and high ductility
  • Promotes cement hydration due to their high reactivity
  • Provides potential ability for tremendous chemical reactivity process
  • Increases the resistance to water penetration

Disadvantages:

  • As nanoparticles are not cost-efficient, it limits their commercial applications
  • Some nanomaterials may be hazardous due to the presence of very small particles

Experts believe that nanomaterials might account for up to half of all building materials by 2025. Overall, nanotechnology is a promising approach in the construction industry, which could find increased usage in the coming years.

See more on construction materials

Sources:

  • https://www.nanowerk.com/nanotechnology-in-construction-industry.php
  • https://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=5548
  • https://iosh.com/media/1520/nanotechnology-in-construction-and-demolition-guidance.pdf
  • https://www.skyfilabs.com/project-ideas/application-of-nanotechnology-in-construction-industry

    This content is for members only. Please Login or Register

    Register now as a DCHUB member and receive all the membership benefits
    Access to quarterly knowledge-sharing, workshops & networking events
    Access to live webinars
    Access to in-depth analysis, case studies, reports
    Members’ newsletter
    Access to training / education content
    Access to weekly industry content

Image Source:

  • https://theconstructor.org/concrete/nanotechnology-in-construction/8558/

Tags: Construction Materials
Previous Post

A catalyst for future construction technology growth

Next Post

Aerogel uses in construction

Prithika Modi

Prithika Modi

Related Posts

Digital twin implementation
Construction

Journeys in digital twin implementation: A roadmap to smarter, sustainable assets

May 07, 2025
Journeys in digital twin implementation: Real-World success stories
Construction

Journeys in digital twin implementation: Real-World success stories

April 16, 2025
Navigating Digital Transformation and Change Management: Insights from Edward Surgeon
Construction

Navigating Digital Transformation and Change Management: Insights from Edward Surgeon

March 18, 2025
Next Post
Aerogel use in buildings and construction

Aerogel uses in construction

No Result
View All Result

Partner Intel Feed

  • Accuracy
    Connecting Strategy, Facts and Figures
  • Autodesk
    Design it. Build it. Autodesk
  • Bentley
    Bentley. Advancing Infrastructure
  • procore
    Access to the right tools to manage your projects, available on any device
  • joblio
    Transforming the global labour market
  • OMNIX
    Accelerating Digital Transformation Journey
  • Oracle
    Connect project teams, empower decision makers, and synchronize across your supply chain
  • CIOB
    Leading the cultural shift
  • Ventures
    Connecting People. Empowering Businesses

BROWSE BY CATEGORY

3D Printing Artificial Intelligence Asset Information Models Asset Management Augmented Reality Autonomous vehicles BIM Case Study Cloud Construction Materials Construction Technology Awards Covid-19 CTF 2021 CTF2022 CTF KSA CTF Online Data Digital Construction Digitalisation Digital transformation Digital Twins Drones Embodied carbon ERP Facilities Management Gamification Information Management Interview IoT ISO19650 Laser scanning Metaverse Modular modular construction Project Awards Property technology PTF 2022 Retrofit Robotics Security Smart Cities Strategy Sustainability Webinar Workplace safety
Digital Construction Hub

© 2024 DC HUB

Navigate Site

  • Home
  • Digital Construction
  • Webinars
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Login

Follow Us

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Digital Construction
    • Strategy & Planning
    • Design
    • Construction
    • Offsite
    • O&M
  • Events
    • Construction Technology Confex
    • Property Technology ConFex
  • About Us
  • Login
  • Join The Community

    Enter your details to Download Brochure

    ×