Bond Strength of Polymer Lightweight Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

Bond strength, physical, and mechanical properties of lightweight PC were investigated with inclusion of pumice lightweight aggregate in maximum size of 12 mm. As binder material, epoxy resin-based polymer was used with its hardener. The binder to aggregate ratio was 30% by weight. In addition, steel fibers were added to lightweight PC mixtures in ratio of 0, 0.5, and 1%. After lightweight PC mixture was prepared, it was poured in the molds with different type of steel-bars in size of 100 x 100 x 100 mm(3). The steel-bars centered in the cubic molds, and they were in size of O12, O14, and O16. The specimens were cured at 60 degrees C for 2 h. On the hardened polymer lightweight concrete (PLC), pull-out test for bond strength and compressive strength tests were performed. Moreover, ultrasonic pulse velocity, water absorption by weight, specific porosity, and density experiments were carried out. The relation between physical and mechanical properties showed that PLCs become more durable when using ratio of steel fibers. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:2125-2132, 2013. (c) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers