Improved Crack Resistance and Pore Structure of Cement-Based Materials by Adding EVA Powder
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34, Issue 4
Abstract
The improved properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA)-modified cement-based materials have not been fully clarified, especially crack resistance and pore structure. The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of EVA copolymer on the mechanical performances and microstructural properties of cement paste. Strengths, autogenous and drying shrinkage, and water absorption expansion were investigated to evaluate the mechanical properties and volume stability. The ring restrained shrinkage and chloride permeability tests revealed the crack resistance and enhancement of impermeability. The microstructures of EVA-modified cement-based materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and mercury intrusion porosimetry (MIP) techniques. The experimental results indicated that mixing EVA into cement-based materials increased the flexural strength, reduced the crack propagation and chloride ion penetration, and reduced the negative capillary pressure by improving the water retention. The addition of EVA resulted the remarkable reduction of harmful pores. The optimal mass fraction of EVA powder was approximately 4%.
Get full access to this article
View all available purchase options and get full access to this article.
Data Availability Statement
Some or all data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
The support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (51750110494), the Heilongjiang Natural Science Foundation (E201415), and the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (HEUCFP201716) is highly appreciated.
References
Ai, F., X. Yin, R. Hu, H. Ma, and W. Liu. 2021. “Research into the super-absorbent polymers on agricultural water.” Agric. Water Manage. 245 (Feb): 106513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agwat.2020.106513.
Assaad, J. J. 2018. “Development and use of polymer-modified cement for adhesive and repair applications.” Constr. Build. Mater. 163 (Feb): 139–148. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.12.103.
Assaad, J. J., and C. A. Issa. 2017. “Effect of recycled acrylic-based polymers on bond stress-slip behavior in reinforced concrete structures.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 29 (1): 04016173. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001700.
ASTM. 2017. Stand test method for length change of hardened hydraulic-cement mortar and concrete. ASTM C157/C157M-17. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM.
Azadmanesh, H., S. A. H. Hashemi, and S. H. Ghasemi. 2021. “The effect of styrene-butadiene rubber and ethylene vinyl acetate polymers on the mechanical properties of engineered cementitious composites.” Compos. Commun. 24 (Apr): 100656. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coco.2021.100656.
Barnat-Hunek, D., M. Grzegorczyk-Frańczak, B. Klimek, M. Pavlíková, and Z. Pavlík. 2021. “Properties of multi-layer renders with fly ash and boiler slag admixtures for salt-laden masonry.” Constr. Build. Mater. 278 (Apr): 122366. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122366.
Barnat-Hunek, D., R. Siddique, B. Klimek, and M. Franus. 2017. “The use of zeolite, lightweight aggregate and boiler slag in restoration renders.” Constr. Build. Mater. 142 (Jul): 162–174. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.03.079.
Baueregger, S., M. Perello, and J. Plank. 2013. “Role of PVOH and kaolin on colloidal stability of liquid and powder EVA and SB latexes in cement pore solution.” Colloids Surf., A 434 (Oct): 145–153. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2013.05.047.
Baueregger, S., M. Perello, and J. Plank. 2014. “Influence of anti-caking agent kaolin on film formation of ethylene–vinylacetate and carboxylated styrene–butadiene latex polymers.” Cem. Concr. Res. 58 (Apr): 112–120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2014.01.017.
Betioli, A. M., P. J. P. Gleize, V. M. John, and R. G. Pileggi. 2012. “Effect of EVA on the fresh properties of cement paste.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 34 (2): 255–260. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2011.10.004.
Branch, J., A. Rawling, D. J. Hannant, and M. Mulheron. 2002. “The effects of fibres on the plastic shrinkage cracking of high strength concrete.” Mater. Struct. 35 (3): 189–194. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02533588.
Chen, J., S. Zhang, J. Liu, and X. Zhou. 2011. “Preparation and properties of cement mortar modified by VAE latex.” Adv. Mater. Res. 306–307: 913–916. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.306-307.913.
China National Standard. 1999. Method of testing cements—Determination of strength. GB/T 17671. Beijing: China Standard Press.
China National Standard. 2009. Standard for test methods of long-term performance and durability of ordinary concrete. GB/T 50082-2009. Beijing: China Standard Press.
China National Standard. 2012. Standard test methods for drying shrinkage stress and cracking possibility of cement mortar and concrete. GB/T 29417. Beijing: China Standard Press.
Devallencourt, C., S. Marais, J. M. Saiter, M. Labbé, and M. Métayer. 2002. “Study of transport of small molecules through ethylene-co-vinyl acetate copolymers films. Part A: Water molecules.” Polym. Test. 21 (3): 253–262. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0142-9418(01)00078-2.
Du Chesne, A., A. Bojkova, J. Gapinski, D. Seip, and P. Fischer. 2000. “Film formation and redispersion of waterborne latex coatings.” J. Colloid Interface Sci. 224 (1): 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1006/jcis.1999.6645.
Gagandeep. 2021. “Experimental study on strength characteristics of polymer concrete with epoxy resin.” Mater. Today: Proc. 37 (Part 2): 2886–2889. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2020.08.665.
Gao, J., A. Sha, Z. Wang, L. Hu, D. Yun, Z. Liu, and Y. Huang. 2018. “Characterization of carbon fiber distribution in cement-based composites by computed tomography.” Constr. Build. Mater. 177 (Jul): 134–147. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.05.114.
Gao, Y., P. Romero, H. Zhang, M. Huang, and F. Lai. 2019. “Unsaturated polyester resin concrete: A review.” Constr. Build. Mater. 228 (Dec): 116709. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.116709.
Gunatilake Mapa, D., A. Markandeya, A. Sedaghat, K. A. Riding, and A. Zayed. 2021. “Effect of different cracking mitigation measures on high early–strength concrete performance.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 33 (8): 04021205. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003852.
Guo, Y., X. Hu, and J. Lv. 2019. “Experimental study on the resistance of basalt fibre-reinforced concrete to chloride penetration.” Constr. Build. Mater. 223 (Oct): 142–155. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.06.211.
Holt, E., and M. Leivo. 2004. “Cracking risks associated with early age shrinkage.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 26 (5): 521–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0958-9465(03)00068-4.
Jafarnia, M. S., M. Khodadad Saryazdi, and S. M. Moshtaghioun. 2020. “Use of bacteria for repairing cracks and improving properties of concrete containing limestone powder and natural zeolite.” Constr. Build. Mater. 242 (May): 118059. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.118059.
Kanavaris, F., C. Ferreira, C. Sousa, and M. Azenha. 2021. “Thermo-chemo-hygro-mechanical simulation of the restrained shrinkage ring test for cement-based materials under distinct drying conditions.” Constr. Build. Mater. 294 (Aug): 123600. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123600.
Koohestani, B., B. Bussière, T. Belem, and A. Koubaa. 2017. “Influence of polymer powder on properties of cemented paste backfill.” Int. J. Miner. Process. 167 (Oct): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.minpro.2017.07.013.
Li, H., L. Gu, B. Dong, Q. Chen, C. Xu, X. Yang, and W. Wang. 2020. “Improvements in setting behavior and strengths of cement paste/mortar with EVA redispersible powder using C-S-Hs-PCE.” Constr. Build. Mater. 262 (Nov): 120097. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.120097.
Li, H., Z. Xue, H. Liang, Y. Guo, G. Liang, D. Ni, and Z. Yang. 2021. “Influence of defoaming agents on mechanical performances and pore characteristics of portland cement paste/mortar in presence of EVA dispersible powder.” J. Build. Eng. 41 (Sep): 102780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2021.102780.
Li, Y., X. Liu, and J. Li. 2017. “Experimental study of retrofitted cracked concrete with FRP and nanomodified epoxy resin.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 29 (5): 04016275. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001810.
Liu, C., L. Xing, H. Liu, W. Huang, X. Nong, and X. Xu. 2021. “Experimental on repair performance and complete stress-strain curve of self-healing recycled concrete under uniaxial loading.” Constr. Build. Mater. 285 (May): 122900. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.122900.
Liu, R., Z. Sun, Q. Ding, P. Chen, and K. Chen. 2017. “Mitigation of early-age cracking of concrete based on a new gel-type superabsorbent polymer.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 29 (10): 04017151. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0001994.
Liu, S., Y. Kong, T. Wan, and G. Zhao. 2018. “Effects of thermal-cooling cycling curing on the mechanical properties of EVA-modified concrete.” Constr. Build. Mater. 165 (Mar): 443–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.01.060.
Lv, Y., and Y.-Q. Zhang. 2021. “Compression properties of basalt fiber–reinforced polymer confined coconut shell concrete.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 33 (7): 04021145. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003792.
Ma, C., and B. Chen. 2016. “Properties of magnesium phosphate cement containing redispersible polymer powder.” Constr. Build. Mater. 113 (Jun): 255–263. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.03.053.
Marcotte, T. D., and C. M. Hansson. 2003. “The influence of silica fume on the corrosion resistance of steel in high performance concrete exposed to simulated sea water.” J. Mater. Sci. 38 (23): 4765–4776. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1027431203746.
Minty, R. F., J. L. Thomason, L. Yang, W. Stanley, and A. Roy. 2019. “Development and application of novel technique for characterising the cure shrinkage of epoxy resins.” Polym. Test. 73 (Feb): 316–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymertesting.2018.11.045.
Mousa, S., H. M. Mohamed, and B. Benmokrane. 2019. “Cracking and crack control in circular concrete bridge members reinforced with fiber-reinforced polymer bars.” J. Bridge Eng. 24 (1): 04018108. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)BE.1943-5592.0001335.
Nogueira Lima, V., D. C. Taissum Cardoso, and F. de Andrade Silva. 2021. “Creep mechanisms in precracked polypropylene and steel fiber–reinforced concrete.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 33 (8): 04021187. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003775.
O’Farrell, M., S. Wild, and B. B. Sabir. 2001. “Pore size distribution and compressive strength of waste clay brick mortar.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 23 (1): 81–91. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0958-9465(00)00070-6.
Pang, B., Y. Zhang, and G. Liu. 2018. “Study on the effect of waterborne epoxy resins on the performance and microstructure of cement paste.” Constr. Build. Mater. 167 (Apr): 831–845. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.02.096.
Pique, T. M., S. Baueregger, and J. Plank. 2016. “Influence of temperature and moisture on the shelf-life of cement admixed with redispersible polymer powder.” Constr. Build. Mater. 115 (Jul): 336–344. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2016.04.056.
Rashtiyani, H. A., H. Hosseini-Toudeshky, and M. Mondali. 2019. “Analytical study of transverse cracking in cross-ply laminates under combined loading based on a new coupled micro-meso approach.” Mech. Mater. 139 (Dec): 103149. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mechmat.2019.103149.
Ribeiro, M., A. Gonçalves, and F. Branco. 2008. “Styrene-butadiene polymer action on compressive and tensile strengths of cement mortars.” Mater. Struct. 41 (7): 1263–1273. https://doi.org/10.1617/s11527-007-9324-z.
Rong, H., W. Dong, W. Yuan, and X. Zhou. 2021. “An improved ring test to assess cracking resistance of concrete under restrained shrinkage.” Theor. Appl. Fract. Mech. 113 (Jun): 102976. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tafmec.2021.102976.
Sahoo, S., C. Lakavath, and S. S. Prakash. 2021. “Experimental and analytical studies on fracture behavior of fiber-reinforced structural lightweight aggregate concrete.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 33 (5): 04021074. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003680.
Shi, C., X. Zou, and P. Wang. 2018. “Influences of ethylene-vinyl acetate and methylcellulose on the properties of calcium sulfoaluminate cement.” Constr. Build. Mater. 193 (Dec): 474–480. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.10.218.
Silva, D. A., V. M. John, J. L. D. Ribeiro, and H. R. Roman. 2001. “Pore size distribution of hydrated cement pastes modified with polymers.” Cem. Concr. Res. 31 (8): 1177–1184. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0008-8846(01)00549-X.
Silva, D. A., and P. J. M. Monteiro. 2005. “ESEM analysis of polymeric film in EVA-modified cement paste.” Cem. Concr. Res. 35 (10): 2047–2050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.10.037.
Slowik, V., M. Schmidt, and R. Fritzsch. 2008. “Capillary pressure in fresh cement-based materials and identification of the air entry value.” Cem. Concr. Compos. 30 (7): 557–565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconcomp.2008.03.002.
Tong, Y., S. Zhao, J. Ma, L. Wang, Y. Zhang, Y. Gao, and Y. M. Xie. 2014. “Improving cracking and drying shrinkage properties of cement mortar by adding chemically treated luffa fibres.” Constr. Build. Mater. 71 (Nov): 327–333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2014.08.077.
Wang, X., Z. Yang, and A. P. Jivkov. 2015. “Monte Carlo simulations of mesoscale fracture of concrete with random aggregates and pores: A size effect study.” Constr. Build. Mater. 80 (Jan): 262–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2015.02.002.
Wei, Y., C. Yan, Y. Xiao, and L. Wang. 2021. “Methodology for quantifying features of early-age concrete cracking from laser scanned 3D data.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 33 (7): 04021151. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003774.
Wittmann, F. H. 1976. “On the action of capillary pressure in fresh concrete.” Cem. Concr. Res. 6 (1): 49–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/0008-8846(76)90050-8.
Yang, X., J. Liu, H. Li, and Q. Ren. 2020. “Performance and ITZ of pervious concrete modified by vinyl acetate and ethylene copolymer dispersible powder.” Constr. Build. Mater. 235 (Feb): 117532. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.117532.
Yang, Y., B. Yuan, Q. Sun, X. Tang, and X. Yingquan. 2015. “Mechanical properties of EVA-modified cement for underground gas storage.” J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 27 (Part 3): 1846–1851. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jngse.2015.11.013.
Yuan, B., Y. Yang, Y. Wang, and K. Zhang. 2017. “Self-healing efficiency of EVA-modified cement for hydraulic fracturing wells.” Constr. Build. Mater. 146 (Aug): 563–570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2017.04.128.
Zhang, D., T. Ueda, and H. Furuuchi. 2011. “Intermediate crack debonding of polymer cement mortar overlay-strengthened RC beam.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 23 (6): 857–865. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000240.
Zhang, J., G. Pan, X. Zheng, and C. Chen. 2021a. “Preparation and characterization of ultra-lightweight fly ash-based cement foams incorporating ethylene-vinyl acetate emulsion and waste-derived C-S-H seeds.” Constr. Build. Mater. 274 (Mar): 122027. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2020.122027.
Zhang, J.-X., H.-M. Lyu, S.-L. Shen, and D.-W. Hou. 2021b. “Investigation of crack control of underground concrete structure with expansive additives.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 33 (1): 04020420. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0003528.
Zhang, Z., H. Zhang, W. Lv, J. Zhang, and N. Wang. 2021c. “Micro-structure characteristics of unsaturated polyester resin modified concrete under fatigue loads and hygrothermal environment.” Constr. Build. Mater. 296 (Aug): 123766. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2021.123766.
Zhou, Z., and P. Qiao. 2019. “Prediction of restrained shrinkage cracking of shotcrete rings using fracture mechanics–based approach.” J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 31 (10): 04019214. https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0002852.
Zhu, W., R. François, C. Zhang, and D. Zhang. 2018. “Propagation of corrosion-induced cracks of the RC beam exposed to marine environment under sustained load for a period of 26 years.” Cem. Concr. Res. 103 (Jan): 66–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cemconres.2017.09.014.
Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 34 • Issue 4 • April 2022
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Apr 24, 2021
Accepted: Aug 13, 2021
Published online: Jan 19, 2022
Published in print: Apr 1, 2022
Discussion open until: Jun 19, 2022
Authors
Metrics & Citations
Metrics
Citations
Download citation
If you have the appropriate software installed, you can download article citation data to the citation manager of your choice. Simply select your manager software from the list below and click Download.
Cited by
- Zhizhuo Feng, Dejian Shen, Chuyuan Wen, Xiaojian Tang, Guoqing Jiang, Effect of Water-to-Cement Ratios on Performance of Concrete with Prewetted Lightweight Aggregates, Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, 10.1061/JMCEE7.MTENG-14923, 35, 6, (2023).
- Zhennan Li, Aiqin Shen, Guopeng Zeng, Zhengtong Chen, Yinchuan Guo, Research progress on properties of basalt fiber-reinforced cement concrete, Materials Today Communications, 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2022.104824, 33, (104824), (2022).