Development of an Ultra-Lightweight Thin Film Polymer Modified Concrete Material

Abstract:

Certain construction situations call for the use of ultra-lightweight concrete materials. The properties of such materials allow for the utilisation of concrete in weight critical applications, for example precast elements, roofing panels, flooring and cladding of structures. The weight saving benefits of lightweight concrete are evident, yet a trade-off in the strength and durability characteristics of the concrete are made. This paper sets out to develop an ultra-lightweight thin filmed polymer modified concrete material for such applications. This material may incorporate specialised aggregates and admixtures to meet performance requirements but the effects of these on the performance of the lightweight concrete are to be carefully evaluated. This paper presents some of the results obtained by means of laboratory testing as well in-situ testing. As part of the in-situ testing, the paper also reports on the practical evaluation of the ultra-lightweight material characteristics performed through the construction of a light weight concrete racing canoe. This allowed for the evaluation of the material performance characteristics and the establishment of acceptable work and application methods when constructing with this material.

• Periodical: Key Engineering Materials (Volume 466)
• Pages: 131-139
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.466.131
• Online since: January 2011
• Authors: Deon Kruger, Michael van der Westhuizen
• Keywords: Lightweight Aggregate, Lightweight Concrete, Polymer-Modified Concrete, Thin Film Concrete

References

[1] South African Bureau of Standards. South African Standard 0100-1, The structural use of concrete, Part1: Design. South African National Bureau of Standards Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa (2000).

DOI: 10.1080/00382167.1987.9630268

[2] Day, K. W. Concrete Mix Design, Quality Control and Specification (3rd Edition ed. ). Taylor & Francis. London (2006).

[3] Pinto, R. C., and Hover, K. C. Frost and Scaling Resistance of High-Strength Concrete, Research and Development Bulletin RD122. In S. H. Kosmatka, & B. Kerkhoff, Design and Control of Concrete Mixtures, EB001. Portland Cement association (PCA). Stokie, Illinois, United States of America (2003).

[4] Lafarge Industries South Africa (Pty) Ltd. (n. d. ). Ultra Series. Ultra-lightweight Concrete.

[5] South African National Standards. SANS 1083: 2006, Aggregates from natural sources — Aggregates for concrete. South African National Standard. Standards South Africa. Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa (2006).

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i5b.16055

[6] Information on http: /www. pratley. com.

[7] American Concrete Institute (ACI). Report on Thin Reinforced Cementitious Products. American Concrete Institute (ACI)(2009).

[8] Dimmig, A., and Kämpfer, W. 2001. Investigations of the sulphate resistance of polymer-modified mortar (PCC). The Tenth International Congress on Polymers in Concrete and ICPIC/ICRI International Concrete Repair Workshop(2001).

[9] Miller, M. Polymers in Cementitious Materials. Rapra Technology. Shawbury, UK (2005).

[10] Paradis, F., and Morency, M. Optimizing a Concrete Canoe. (F. Paradis, Ed. ) Concrete Canoe Magazine , 1 (1) (2006).

[11] South African National Standards. SANS 5862-1: 2006, Concrete tests – consistency of freshly mixed concrete – slump test. South African National Standard. Standards South Africa. Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa (2006).

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i5b.16055

[12] South African National Standards. SANS 5862-2: 2006, Concrete tests- consistency of freshly mixed concrete – flow test. South African National Standard. Standards South Africa. Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa (2006).

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i5b.16055

[13] South African National Standards. 2006. SANS 5863: 2006, Concrete tests – Compressive strength of hardened concrete. South African National Standard. Standards South Africa. Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa (2006).

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i5b.16055

[14] South African National Standards. SANS 5864: 2006, Concrete tests – Flexural strength of hardened concrete. South African National Standard. Standards South Africa. Pretoria, Gauteng, Republic of South Africa (2006).

DOI: 10.7196/samj.2022.v112i5b.16055

[15] Pankhurst, R. N. Construction. In J. L. Clarke (Ed. ), Structural Lightweight Aggregate Concrete. Blackie Academic & Professional. London (1993).