Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of added polymers on the properties of repair mortars. Two types of polymers, ethylene vinyl acetate and polyvinyl acetate–vinyl carboxylate, were used as a replacement for 3%, 5%, and 8% of the cement (by weight). All tests were conducted using two water–cement ratios of 0.5 and 0.6. The effectiveness of the repair materials was evaluated according to setting time, drying shrinkage, thermal expansion, compressive strength, and bond strength. Specimens containing polyvinyl acetate–vinyl carboxylate at a water–cement ratio of 0.5 presented the highest compressive and bond strength. Specimens containing ethylene vinyl acetate presented strength characteristics exceeding those of the control at 28 days. The drying shrinkage of polyvinyl acetate–vinyl carboxylate specimens was similar to that of the control. At a water–cement ratio of 0.5, the thermal expansion of polyvinyl acetate–vinyl carboxylate specimens was lower than that of ethylene vinyl acetate specimens; however, at a water–cement ratio of 0.6, the thermal expansion was independent of the type of polymer.
Highlights
Concrete is used extensively in the construction industry in Taiwan due to its good mechanical properties, durability, and low cost
This study examined the physical and mechanical properties of cements and mortars modified with various types and amounts of redispersible polymer powders using various water–cement ratios
We assessed the influence of polymer powder on the initial and final setting times of the cement mortar to provide a reference for the use of these polymer powders in repair mortars
Summary
Concrete is used extensively in the construction industry in Taiwan due to its good mechanical properties, durability, and low cost. Concrete lacks ductility and toughness due to lack of tensile strength. Rebar can provide concrete with the ductility that it lacks, while concrete protects rebar from corrosion. Questionable construction practices have rendered unsafe many concrete structures in Taiwan. Once the exterior of the concrete has been breached by the elements,[1,2] swelling and corrosion of the rebar accelerate spalling and crack formation, which can lead to collapse.[3,4] Concrete repair cannot be initiated until the true cause(s) of the damage have been identified. Concrete damage is often attributed to poor strength; the actual causes can be very complex
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