Strength and transport properties of concrete with styrene butadiene rubber latex modified lightweight aggregate

Abstract

This experimental work aims to explore the effect of adding SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber) polymeric latex in lightweight aggregates and to study their impact on the concrete. Usually, the SBR is used for precast works and repair works which improve mechanical properties and durability of concrete structures. In this paper, SBR modified lightweight aggregate (SLWA) and normal lightweight aggregate (NLWA) without SBR addition were prepared by palletization process and hardened by cold-bonding technique. The cement (20%) as a binder with fly ash (80%) had been used. The compressive strength, water sorptivity, chloride ion permeability and water permeability tests were performed on SBR added lightweight aggregate concrete (SLWAC). Also, their results were compared with normal lightweight aggregate concrete (NLWAC) of similar composition. In addition to that, fly ash (FA) was partially substituted with natural sand (NS) in concrete. SEM images confirmed the refinement in the microstructure of SLWA. Results revealed that SLWAC presented better desirable outcome than NLWAC owing to higher open porosity and lesser strength of the NLWA respectively. Moreover, it was observed that a considerable enhancement in the strength and transport properties of concrete was achieved by the addition of FA as the partial substitution of the NS.