Evaluation of mechanical properties of polymer concretes for the rapid repair of runways

This paper aims to evaluate the material properties of polymer concrete for the repair of runways. Test specimens were prepared under room temperature conditions (25 °C), and the mixing ratios between aggregates and epoxy resin were 90:10, 85:15, 80:20, and 70:30 by weight. The real-time degree of cure for the epoxy resin was measured by a dielectrometry sensor. Compressive and flexural tests were carried out, in order to measure any property changes in the polymer concrete according to the mixing ratio. The thermal expansion for each of the specimens was measured by attached FBG fiber optic sensors, with temperature variation from −25 °C to 85 °C in a controlled environment chamber. The thermal expansion measurements were used to estimate the coefficient of thermal expansion of the polymer concrete. Based on the measured mechanical properties, the serviceability of polymer concrete as a repair material for runways was investigated.