This paper presents the results of studying the properties of cement-based composites modified with a complex additive based on chrysotile nanofibers and carbon black. The optimal composition of complex additive was stated due to the particle size analysis of suspensions with different chrysotile to carbon black ratios and the mechanical properties study of the fine-grained concrete modified with the complex additive. It was found that the addition of chrysotile in the amount of 0.05% of cement mass together with carbon black in the amount of 0.01% of cement mass leads to a 31.9% compression strength increase of cement composite and a 26.7% flexural strength increase. In order to explain the change in the mechanical properties of the material, physical and chemical testing methods were used including IR-spectral analysis, differential thermal analysis, energy dispersive X-ray analysis as well as the study of the microstructure of the samples modified with the complex additive. They revealed the formation of durable hydration products including thaumasite and calcium silicate hydrates of lower basicity that form a dense structure of cement matrix, increasing the physical and mechanical characteristics of cement-based composites.

The present research is focused on the investigation of the influence of ultrafine additives on the structure formation of hardened cement paste and the establishment of the mechanisms of the morphological transformations, which determine the properties of hydrated products. In the course of the research, the modification of ordinary Portland cement was performed by the suspension of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), carbon black (CB) paste, and silica fume (SF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) microanalysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, thermal analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were used to study cement hydration products. The morphology of hardened cement paste depends on the chemical reactivity of additives, their geometry, and their genesis. The action mechanism of the inert carbon-based additives and pozzolanic silica fume were considered. The cement hydration products formed in the process of modification by both types of ultrafine additives are described. In the case of the modification of cement paste by inert MWCNTs and CB paste, the formation of cement hydration products on their surface without strong adhesion was observed, whereas in the case of the addition of SF separately and together with MWCNTs, the strong adhesion of additives and cement hydration products was noted.

The article contains a short overview of current research base state in the field of thermal analysis of glass-fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP). The relationship between temperature raise and specimens weight loss is presented. It is noted that results of experiments run by different scientists vary widely and cannot form a common GFRP behavior model under heating. To compare the effect of thermal exposure on GFRP of a number of Russian manufacturers, the thermal analysis of composite rebar was carried out. Weight fluctuation was recorded with temperature ranging from 22 to 500 oC. The results of visual estimation of the effect of heating GFRP specimen up to 200 oC is also presented. All experiments were conducted according to requirements of corresponding regulations.

The article describes the influence of chrysotile nanofibers dispersion introduction on the properties of the cement matrix. Comparison of the dispersion level of suspensions obtained using cavitation and ultrasonic processing methods is presented. The positive effect of chrysotile fibers application on the strength characteristics of the material has been confirmed. A 34% increase in the compressive strength of the samples was achieved on the 7th day of hardening, while on the 28th day it increased by 36% and with the steam treatment - by 38% compared to the reference sample. Laser particle size analysis confirmed the predominance of the nanosized component of chrysotile fibers in the suspension, which affected the structuring of the cement matrix. The results of the differential thermography, IR spectrometry, X-ray microanalysis and scanning electron microscopy of the samples are also presented. The analysis methods confirmed that introduction of chrysotile nanofibers suspension into the composition of a cement binder makes it possible to significantly vary the structure and morphology of new formations in fine-grained concrete. It also changes the quantitative and qualitative phase composition of the material with the formation of calcium silicate hydrates of lower basicity, leading to an increase in the strength of cement concrete.

The electrical conductivity of fluoroanhydrite compositions modified with different amounts of ultrafine soot was studied. The optimal ratio of additive and binder was determined in terms of both electrical conductivity and compressive strength. The research results have showed that the addition of ultrafine carbon black in the amount of 7 % by the binder mass had a significant influence on the mechanical properties of the composition as well as its electrical conductivity. The strength of the samples with 7 % of ultrafine carbon black decreased up to 23.9 MPa at the age of 14 days whereas the reference sample strength was 40.1 MPa. At the same time the electrical resistance of the modified samples was 99.65 Ω at the age of 14 days whereas the electrical resistance of the reference samples reached 128.1 kΩ. The developed fluoroanhydrite composition was modified at the nanoscale level with carbon black and it can be used as material for the antistatic and grounding conductive flooring.

The paper presents an experimental research on anchoring devices developed for the pre-tensioning of fiber reinforced polymer tendons in the stress range between 40 and 70% of tensile strength. The technique of testing, the criteria of assessing the load capacity and the influence of preloading applied on the anchor wedges on the initial tendons slippage are described. The optimal technical configurations of the anchoring device have been obtained, including parameters regarding the necessary prior anchorage of the tendon ends based on the strength properties of the tendon bar and the requirements to avoid slippage during the tensile tests.