Investigation on mechanical and durability properties of polymer and latex-modified concretes

This study investigated the performance of polymer concrete (PC) containing polyester and epoxy resins, and latex-modified concrete (LMC) containing SBR and epoxy latexes in terms of strength and durability at various ages. In PC, the percentages of polyester were 10% and 20% and the percentage of epoxy was 10% of the weight of the aggregate. In LMC, 15% and 25% SBR, and 25% epoxy by weight of cement were used. Results showed that selecting appropriate types and optimum percentages of polymeric materials leads to higher compressive, tensile and flexural strengths in PCs and LMCs compared to ordinary concrete. Their freezing/thawing and abrasion resistance were also enhanced, and both their shrinkage and permeability were reduced by adding appropriate polymeric materials in optimum percentages. A significant linear relationship was found between the compressive and tensile strength of PC and LMC which was more evident than that of ordinary concrete. The paper is concluded with a comparison of different types of concrete using a distance based approach (DBA).