The purpose of this study was to experimentally investigate the performance characteristics of no-fines polymer concrete using recycled aggregates to promote the sustainability of precast products for infrastructure. The novelty of this study is using...
The purpose of this study was to experimentally investigate the performance characteristics of no-fines polymer concrete using recycled aggregates to promote the sustainability of precast products for infrastructure. The novelty of this study is using combined technologies encompassing previous recycled aggregate concrete, porous concrete, and polymer concrete.
The materials used were polymeric binders (unsaturated polyester resins), initiator, cross-linking agents, filler, and mixed aggregates, in which recycled coarse aggregates and crushed coarse aggregates were mixed. Experimental studies were conducted for different contents of polymeric binders because it dramatically affects both the cost-effectiveness and material properties.
The main contents of the experiment were nine items: density, absorption, void content, permeable voids, coefficient of permeability, compressive strength, flexural strength, flexural strength after exposure to freeze and thaw cycles, and acid resistance (mass loss by acid attack), all of which showed superior results compared to those of the existing concrete without fine aggregates. Among them, density, void content, permeable voids, coefficient of permeability, compressive strength, and flexural strength were found to be greatly affected by the change in the content of polymeric binder. According to the results of the study, if the content of the polymeric binder is 5.0 to 6.0 wt.%, it was beneficial in cost effectiveness. In addition, although there was no significant difference in the absorption, acid resistance, and flexural strength after exposure to freezing and thawing with respect to the binder content, it was confirmed that it was superior to those of concrete without fine aggregates. The correlations between the density and void content, and permeable voids and coefficient of permeability were found to be linear, while the correlations between the density and compressive strength, and void content and compressive strength were exponential.
Compared to previous porous and no-fines concrete using cement or polymer as a binder, the improved strength performance was due to the improvement of adhesion by the addition of cross-linking agents and their excellent surface hydrophobicity.
No-fines polymer concrete using recycled coarse aggregates can be useful for eco-friendly precast products such as wall structure and embankments for inclined protection, reinforced earth retaining wall, blocks for river levee, eco-friendly fences and tidal landscape structure, building exterior wall finishes, and sound-absorption panels.