STUDY THE EFFECT OF LATEX ON THE MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NORMAL CONCRETE CURED AT LOW TEMPERATURES

Abstract

Many investigations on latex-modified concrete and its properties have been undertaken, however, several essential aspects have been ignored in previous studies. Latex is a collective term for a group of similar formulations consisting of a stable dispersion of polymer microparticles in a liquid matrix (usually water). Latex can be natural or synthetic. In addition to its usage as a bond layer, this research focuses on a new factor: the influence of low temperature on the mechanical properties of concrete containing Latex, as well as the effect of different curing conditions. Cubes and prisms were used to test concrete mechanical properties such as compressive and flexural strength. The latex percentages of the cement were 0, 5, and 10% by weight. Temperatures of 0°C, 5°C, 10°C, and 24°C were used to cure the specimens, which were then tested after 7 and 28 days. Curing methods, both wet and dry, were also studied. Furthermore, latex-SBR was used as a bond layer between old and new concrete, and the splitting strength of the samples was tested. The results revealed that as the temperature drops, both compressive and flexural strength decreased. Compressive and flexural strength are improved with a wet curing process. In comparison to the specimens without latex, the results show that adding latex as a binding layer increases the bonding strength.