Effects of Styrene Butadiene rubber on the properties of Normal Concrete

Abstract

This work titled “examining the effects of Styrene butadiene rubber latex on properties of normal concrete” is aimed at exploring the potential in the use of SBR latex in concrete to investigate how different properties of concrete can be improved. Styrene Butadiene Rubber Latex with brand name “Top Shield” was added by virtue of volume of cement in the concrete mix in percentages of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%. A total of 135 samples consisting of 45 pieces of 150mm*150mm*150mm cubes, 45 samples 100*100*500mm beams and 45 pieces of 200mm*10mm diameter cyl-inders were cast. A concrete mix design using ACI was used targeting a strength of 25N/mm2 and a mix ratio of 1:2.4:2.6 was used at a constant water cement ratio of 0.44 adopted. Samples were cured for 3, 7, 28 days. Samples were tested to investigate different properties of concrete test through slump, compressive strength, flexural strength, split tensile strength, water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity and scanning electron microscopy tests were conducted on the samples. Regression analysis of result was conducted using excel multiple regression tool and mathematical formulae were developed to help field workers and researchers forecast the degree of certain properties of interest and to determine how each variable affect the end result. Results showed positive improvement in all properties tested for. Preliminary quality control tests were carried out on the respective ingredients of concrete to determine their suitability with reference to ASTM Standard. The study recommended that further research should consider the use of a higher percentage of SBR latex to find the optimum compressive and tensile properties of the concrete.