Carbon Nanotube–Incorporated High-Strength Concrete: A Review of Material Design, Performance Mechanisms, and Durability Enhancement

In modern infrastructure, a vital role is played by high strength concrete. However, its brittle behaviour, tendency for microcracking and durability are some limits to its long-term performance. Incorporating CNTs as nanoscale reinforcement is one of the promising approaches to address these challenges. By focusing on mix proportioning strategies, dispersion methods, mechanical properties, microstructural development, and durability performance, this review compiles and examines recent research on CNT-enhanced high-strength concrete. By analysing experimental results from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the controlling principles of reinforcement are explained. and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the governing principles of reinforcement are clarified. According to the review, well-dispersed CNTs greatly improve strength, crack resistance, pore structure refinement, and resistance to chemical intrusion, usually within an ideal dose range of 0.05–0.15% by cement weight. As a result, CNT-modified HSC is recognized as a cutting-edge, sustainable material with great promise for use in civil engineering applications of the future.