The exposure of polymer concrete to artificially designed environmental conditions of high-and low-temperatures, and moisture levels allowed for the assessment of strength performance and aesthetic value. Strength performance indicated the maximum capability of the product to carry a load successfully, whereas the aesthetics assessed the appearance of the product, that can be measured using spectrophotometry. In this study, materials such as water and Portland cement typically used to form traditional concrete were replaced by two polymer resins namely - vinyl ester and polyester, thus making it polymer concrete. As such, compressive strengths of cube samples were tested, the change in cubes’ masses was measured using a balance - prior and post exposure to the artificially induced environments, the colour change tests (spectroscopy analysis) were performed using the spectrophotometer tests. Compressive strengths of over 75MPa were achieved, thereby justifying promising concrete strengths. Mass losses recorded were almost negligible, thereby showing toughness to conditions presented in the artificially induced environments. Minor colour changes were noticed- thereby showing a good resistance to harsh weather conditions on the surface properties. Therefore, the assessed products displayed desired characteristics for strength performance and aesthetic value, subsequently, creating a product that promotes sustainability.

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Testing the Performance of Vinyl Ester and Polyester Polymer Concrete Following Exposure to Artificially Induced Climatic Environments

  • Dhruv Parbhoo Gulabbhai,
  • Deon Kruger,
  • Mayur Kishor Hira

摘要

The exposure of polymer concrete to artificially designed environmental conditions of high-and low-temperatures, and moisture levels allowed for the assessment of strength performance and aesthetic value. Strength performance indicated the maximum capability of the product to carry a load successfully, whereas the aesthetics assessed the appearance of the product, that can be measured using spectrophotometry. In this study, materials such as water and Portland cement typically used to form traditional concrete were replaced by two polymer resins namely - vinyl ester and polyester, thus making it polymer concrete. As such, compressive strengths of cube samples were tested, the change in cubes’ masses was measured using a balance - prior and post exposure to the artificially induced environments, the colour change tests (spectroscopy analysis) were performed using the spectrophotometer tests. Compressive strengths of over 75MPa were achieved, thereby justifying promising concrete strengths. Mass losses recorded were almost negligible, thereby showing toughness to conditions presented in the artificially induced environments. Minor colour changes were noticed- thereby showing a good resistance to harsh weather conditions on the surface properties. Therefore, the assessed products displayed desired characteristics for strength performance and aesthetic value, subsequently, creating a product that promotes sustainability.