Mechanical and Durability Evaluation of Latex Modified Lightweight Concrete

Abstract

Modified polymer concretes are popular materials in the construction industry due to their relatively high performance, versatility and stability compared to ordinary cement concrete. In this research, by adding three different latexes, including styrene butadiene rubber, ethylene vinyl acetate and acrylic latex, the mechanical and durability properties of Light weight concrete with Leca aggregates were measured. In this regard, 15 different mixtures are carried out in two laboratory programs. in the first stage, the effect of each latex with 5, 7.5 and 10% percentages with cement are investigated, and in the next stage, the simultaneous effect of latex with Microsilica. It was measured on the properties of lightweight concrete. The results showed that the addition of latex has a significant effect on increasing the durability factors of lightweight concrete several times. With the combination of 7.5% latex and 7% Microsilica, the best compressive strength has been recorded. By using latex, the flexural strength of concrete increased around 30%. Also, the passing charge of the lightweight concrete sample without latex is 4124 coulombs, while the sample containing 10% ethylene vinyl acetate passes 451 coulombs of charge.