The Investigation of Freezing-Thawing Resistance on The Polymer Impregnated Concretes Containing Silica Fume

Abstract

In this study, the effect of freeze-thaw cycles on the ultrasonic pulse velocity and compressive strength of polymer impregnated concretes containing silica fume were investigated experimentally. In addition to concrete mixture with only Portland cement, concrete mixtures with 5% and 10% of silica fume replaced with cement by weight was prepared. Maximum grain diameter of aggregate is 8 mm. The 100x100x100 mm cubic specimens were prepared for compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity test. The specimens were cured in standard conditions at 20 +/- 2 degrees C in water for periods of 7 and 28 days. After the process of drying (for 24 hour at 105 +/- 5 degrees C), vinyl acetate monomer was impregnated into concrete under atmospheric conditions. The specimens, exposed to freeze-thaw cycles according to ASTM C666, were tested for compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity. Test results showed that compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity of concrete containing 10% silica fume were obtained higher than that of control concrete after 7 and 28 days.