Self-compacting concrete (SCC) has been increasingly used in the construction sector due to its favorable characteristics in improving various durability and rheology aspects of concrete such as deformability and segregation resistance. Recently, the studies on the application of nano-alumina (NA) produced from factory wastes have been significantly considered to enhancing the performance, and mechanical strength, of SCC. Many experimental works show that NA can be used in SCC with appropriate proportion to enjoy the benefits of improved microstructure, fresh and hardened properties, durability, and resistance to elevated temperature. However, a limited detailed review is available to particularly study using NA to improve the performance of SCC, so far. Hence, the present study is conducted to fill the existing gap of knowledge. In this study, the effect of using NA in improving rheological, mechanical parameters, and elevated temperature resistance of SCC is reviewed. This research summarized the studies in this area, which have been different from the previous researches, and provided a discussion on limitations, practical implications, and suggestions for future studies.

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is a new generation of fiber-reinforced concrete with high ductility and exceptional crack control capabilities. However, ECC can suffer a substantial reduction in ductility when exposed to elevated temperatures resulting in a loss of crack-bridging ability. In this study, the effect of adding basalt fiber (BF), which is an inorganic fiber with high-temperature resistance for the production of ECC, was studied. Moreover, the change in the mechanical properties of ECC, including compressive, tensile, and flexural strength, was experimentally investigated under elevated temperatures up to 400 °C. The results showed that the addition of BF to reinforced ECC improved the tensile and flexural strength of concrete effectively, but compressive strength marginally decreased. A significant decrease was observed in the range from 300 to 400 °C, while it increased smoothly when heated up to 300 °C. The compressive and flexural strength diminished after a slight strain gained when heated up to 100 °C. This work paves the way for future investigations focusing on the development of high-temperature resistance ECC.

Polymer concrete contains aggregates and a polymeric binder such as epoxy, polyester, vinyl ester, or normal epoxy mixture. Since polymer binders in polymer concrete are made of organic materials, they have a very low heat and fire resistance compared to minerals. This paper investigates the effect of basalt fibers (BF) and alginate on the compressive strength of polymer concrete. An extensive literature review was completed, then two experimental phases including the preliminary phase to set the appropriate mix design, and the main phase to investigate the compressive strength of samples after exposure to elevated temperatures of 100 °C, 150 °C, and 180 °C were conducted. The addition of BF and/or alginate decreases concrete compressive strength under room temperature, but the addition of BF and alginate each alone leads to compressive strength increase during exposure to heat and increase in the temperature to 180 °C showed almost positive on the compressive strength. The addition of BF and alginate both together increases the rate of strength growth of polymer concrete under heat from 100 °C to 180 °C. In conclusion, BF and alginate decrease the compressive strength of polymer concretes under room temperature, but they improve the resistance against raised temperatures.