Effects of Portland Cement and Polymer Powder on the Properties of Cement-Bound Road Base Mixtures

Abstract

This article presents the test results for the physical and mechanical properties and fracture toughness of polymer-modified hydraulically-bound mixtures (HBM) produced with Portland cement for road base layers. The modifier used was a redispersible polymer powder (RPP) based on a vinyl ethylene acetate (EVA) copolymer obtained by spray drying. A three-level full factorial design with two factors was applied to determine the contents of Portland cement and polymer powder in the cement-bound mixture (CBM). Both Portland cement and polymer powder were added at three levels: 0%, 2%, and 4%. The assessment included basic physical properties (water absorption, density, and bulk density) and mechanical properties (stiffness modulus, axial compressive strength, and indirect tensile strength) of the CBM. Particular attention was paid to the assessment of fracture toughness in the semi-circular bending test. The results of the research show that polymer powder positively influenced the mechanical properties of CBM by improving its cohesion while maintaining its stiffness. Another benefit coming from the use of polymer powder was the CBM’s increased resistance to cracking, which is the desired characteristic from the perspective of pavement durability.

Effect of Polymer Additives on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Self-Leveling Rubberised Concrete

“…The same tendency is not observed in the case of composites filled with EVA in the form of redispersible powder. The reparation of cracks and pores of concrete-based materials in the presence of EVA redispersible powder was also observed in the literature [ 38 , 48 , 49 , 50 ]. Obtained results indicate that the appropriate distribution of EVA.RDP in the cement matrix allows to obtain composite with improved compressive strength compared to samples containing EVA in the form of latex.…”

Concrete Strengthening by Introducing Polymer-Based Additives into the Cement Matrix—A Mini Review

“…Currently, polymers are applied in cement in various forms, such as latexes, liquid resins, redispersible powders and water-soluble homo- or copolymers [ 81 ]. Considering the fact that the type of the polymer used in the manufacturing process influences the properties of the resulting composite, the selection of a polymer type and form depends on the intended use of concrete and is associated with its desired properties, such as strength, chemical resistance and durability [ 87 ].…”

The Effect of Polymer Powder on the Cracking of the Subbase Layer Composed of Cold Recycled Bitumen Emulsion Mixtures

“… Semi-circular bending test set-up and specimen: ( a ) standard scheme (source: PN-EN 12697-44 [ 42 ]); and ( b ) fracture toughness test set-up (laboratory at Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture, Kielce University of Tecnology, Kielce, Poland) [ 49 ]. …”