Elastomeric Effect of Natural Rubber Latex on Compressive Strength of Concrete at High Temperatures
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 23, Issue 12
Abstract
The inclusion of elastomeric substances into concrete aimed at improving performance properties may pose a serious threat, particularly at high temperatures. This paper presents experimental findings regarding the elastomeric influence of natural rubber latex on compressive strength of concrete at elevated temperatures. Normal and modified concrete specimens were prepared, heated, and subsequently tested for compressive strength. Five temperatures—ambient temperature (27°C), 150, 300, 500, and 800°C—were applied. Microstructural samples were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the role of poly(1,4-isoprene) particles in the modified system was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) conducted on hardened cement paste, latex film, and cement-latex blend. Finally, compressive strength of the modified concrete was observed to depreciate at the softening point temperature of the latex films in the comatrix, eventually with more strength loss. At 800°C, the strength loss was 50.5% in the modified concrete versus 37.8% in the normal concrete. Thus, special precautionary design measures may be necessary for latex-modified concrete, particularly in situations where the concrete is likely to face temperatures above the softening point temperature of the modifier.
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Acknowledgments
The writers gratefully acknowledge the support for this research from Ministry of Science and Technology Malaysia, Research Management Center UTM, MacArthur Fund BUK, and Technicians, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 23 • Issue 12 • December 2011
Pages: 1697 - 1702
Copyright
© 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Nov 1, 2010
Accepted: May 25, 2011
Published online: May 27, 2011
Published in print: Dec 1, 2011
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