Experimental research on mechanical properties of Fiber-Reinforced Polyurethane Elastic Concrete (FRPEC)

Abstract

Given the shortcomings of conventional repair materials for bridge expansion joints, such as ease of damage and lengthy maintenance cycles, this research developed a new type of Fiber-Reinforced Polyurethane Elastic Concrete (FRPEC) that can be used for rapid repair of bridge expansion joints. FRPEC has the advantages of short setting time, high initial strength, excellent bonding performance and satisfactory deformation and toughness. The objective of this research was to explore and experimentally investigate the basic mechanical properties of the new material (FRPEC) such as failure mechanism, compressive strength and flexural strength, workability and toughness. The orthogonal test range analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to optimize FRPEC mixtures based on the compressive and flexural strengths under varying P:CS ratio, cement proportion, and fiber content. Results show that a decrease in the P:CS ratio from 1:1.5 to 1:3 led to an improvement in the mechanical properties of FRPEC, whereas an increase in cement proportion from 40% to 70% adversely affected the mechanical properties. The incorporation of steel fiber improved the strength and toughness of FRPEC.