Behaviour of Cement and Polymer Mortar Materials to Rapid Freeze-Thaw Cycling

Abstract

The aim of this investigation work is threefold: 1) To analyse and quantify freeze-thaw resistance of glass fibre reinforced epoxy polymer mortars, comparatively to both normal cement mortars and plain epoxy polymer mortars; 2) To determine glass fibre reinforcement effect on freeze-thaw behaviour; and 3) To evaluate the reliability of ASTM C666M-03 test methodology for the assessment of freeze-thaw resistance of polymer concrete materials. For this purpose several test specimens, normal cement mortars, plain and glass-fibre reinforced epoxy polymer mortars were submitted to freeze-thaw cycling between 36 up to 300 cycles, according to the above norm. Dynamic elasticity modulus, with basis on fundamental resonance frequency measurements, was calculated every 36 cycles, and the correspondent relative dynamic elasticity modulus was determined for each cycling period. In order to assess the reliability of this non-destructive test methodology, three specimens of each formulation were withdrawn at regular periods and tested in bending and compression. Relative mechanical strengths, as function of conditioning period, were compared with corresponding relative dynamic modulus of elasticity.

Pore Structure as a Response to the Freeze/Thaw Resistance of Mortars

“…The authors in study [8] investigated the resistance of mortar to freeze/thaw cycles on the panels made of frost resistant brick applying the procedure that is prescribed in CEN/TS 772-22 [9], which is usually used for brick units. The authors in [10,11] treated their specimens according to RILEM-CDF, the authors in [12,13] applied a regime prescribed in ASTM C666 [14], the authors in [4] conducted tests according to EN 12371, which is applicable to the frost resistance measurements of natural stone, the authors in [15] used CEN/TS 12390-9, which is intended for the frost resistance determination of concretes, and the authors in [7] devised their own regime to simulate the freeze/thaw cycles.…”

“…In order to estimate mortar’s resistance to freeze/thaw cycles, researchers have been studying the influence of applied tests on various features and measured values: changes in the surface appearance of samples [8,13], changes in the compressive and flexural strength as well as dynamic modulus of elasticity [12,13,15,16], changes in the weight of the specimens [4,7,12], water absorption [15,16], pore structure and its changes during the cycles [10], and the number of freeze/thaw cycles the specimens can resist until complete disintegration [4,7]. During the freeze/thaw cycles, the surface of the mortar specimens becomes damaged, its compressive and flexural strength (as well as dynamic modulus of elasticity and weight) are decreased, and its water absorption is increased.…”

Influence of aggregates, glass fibre reinforcement and recycled aggregates on polyester mortar

“…Meanwhile, polymer composites have enhanced properties concerning tensile strength, impact and corrosion resistance [2]. Other advantages are, for instance, resistance to extreme environmental conditions (acid attack, frost/thaw and elevated temperatures), vibration damping properties, low water absorption and permeability [8][9][10][11][12].…”

Resistance of Concrete with Crystalline Hydrophilic Additives to Freeze–Thaw Cycles

“…The literature also suggests that concrete durability can be improved by incorporating mineral additives like slag [6], fly ash [7], and silica fume [8]. Furthermore, concrete durability can be enhanced by partially replacing aggregate with rubber [9][10][11][12], employing polymer binders [13,14], modifying [15][16][17] or impregnating concrete with polymers [18,19], using 2 of 12 polycarbonate superplasticizers [20,21], employing biomimetic polymer additives [22], and utilizing polymer fibers and biofibers [23,24].…”