ACKNOWLEDGEMENT First and foremost, I express my sincere gratitude to the Lord Almighty for the successful completion of the

project. I express my sincere gratitude to Mrs Miji Cherian R., Lecturer, Dept. of Civil Engineering, GEC, Thrissur, my guide and mentor for her valuable guidance, and constructive criticism. Her incisive comments, resourceful references and knowledge in the field has help me reach my aim. I also express my gratitude to Dr. Vijayan P., Asst. Prof., Dept. of Civil Engineering, GEC Thrissur, who has been our co-ordinate and who helped me understand the importance of such an upcoming topic. I wish to thank all other faculty member in the Dept. of Civil Engineering for their valuable guidance. I also take this opportunity to thank our group tutors Dr. Sumam K.S and Mrs.Miji Cherian for supporting us. I am thankful to Prof. V. Jayakumari (Head of the Department of Civil engineering , GEC , Thrissur) for her keen interest , constructive suggestions and generous help during the preparation of this seminar. All this wouldnt have been possible if not by the support rendered by my family, friends and classmates.

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CONTENTS
Pg. No. ABSTRACT 1. INTRODUCTION 2. NANOTECHNOLOGY 2.1 Background 2.2 What is Nanotechnology? 2.3 Nanotechnology Basics 3. NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION IN GENERAL 4. NANOMATERIALS 4.1 Nanotechnology and Concrete 4.2 Nanotechnology and Steel 4.3 Nanotechnology and Wood 4.4 Nanotechnology and Glass 4.5 Nanotechnology and Coatings 4.6 Nanotechnology and Fire Protection and Detection 4.7 Nanotechnology in Sustainability and the Environment 5. APPLICATIONS OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 6. FUTURE OF NANOTECHNOLOGY IN CONSTRUCTION 7. CONCLUSION REFERENCES 14 18 22 23 v 1 1 1 1 2 5 5 5 7 10 10 12 13 13

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ABSTRACT Nanotechnology is one of the most active research areas that encompass a number of disciplines including civil engineering and construction materials. Traditionally, nanotechnology has been concerned with developments in the fields of microelectronics, medicine and materials sciences. However, the potential for application of many of the developments in the nanotechnology field in the area of construction engineering is growing. In this paper a broad overview of the potential application of various nanotechnology developments in the construction engineering field is discussed, and the potential for further basic research that may lead to improved systems is evaluated.

The importance of nanotechnology related research and development has become recognised worldwide. Substantial public and private investment is now being ploughed into research and development in a number of industrial sectors, where nanotechnology has become established and has led to new commercial products. The construction industry, having major economic significance with nano-scale research and development which is only emerging, offers a wide scope for exploitation of nanotechnology. With international contributions from experts in the field, Nanotechnology in Construction amalgamates previously fragmented research and emerging trends. It reflects the inherent multi-disciplinary nature of nano-scale research in construction and contributions cover a wide spectrum, from highly scientific investigations to futuristic applications. Nanotechnology in Construction will appeal to researchers already working in this field as well as those wishing to enter it. It will also inform governmental and other funding agencies of the most promising future directions and their related timescales. Practical applications are considered and explanations of the underlying basics are given, raising awareness and understanding of what nanotechnology can offer to construction professionals in general.