Polymer Modified Concrete with Expanded Polystyrene Grains Reinforced with Polypropylene Fibers

Abstract

Lightweight concrete with lower water absorption for thin structural elements was the goal of this investigation. Polypropylene fibers contributed to concrete ductility. For lower bulk density the authors used polystyrene grains. They used polymer modified concrete for realization of better adhesion between concrete and fiber. Polymer membranes cover the micro-fissures which may appear due to shrinkage, so polymer modified concrete has smaller water absorption. The influence of polypropylene fiber and cement quantity on concrete properties is investigated in this paper. Experimental work included several kinds of concrete, made with different cement contents, consistency, quantity of polypropylene fibers and with polymer latex, styrenebutadiene rubber modifier. River aggregate with grain size of up to 8 mm was used. The polymer portland cement concrete properties depend, not only on composition but also on the way of preparation, compacting and curing. Curing includes: 1 day in wet conditions, 6 days in the water followed by 21 days in the air. Compressive and splitting tensile strength and water absorption values are reported. It can be concluded that using polypropylene fibers has a better effect on splitting to compressive strength ratio for concrete with bulk density lower than 1800 kg/m3.