Mechanical Properties of Polymer Modified Ferrocement

Abstract

The ever increasing environmental pollution and the rise in emission levels have caused serious damage to the lives of millions, and millions of people have a lion's share in contributing to this environmental degradation. So there is need of construction technologies which are less energy intensive and help to reduce the pollution levels in comparison to conventional technologies. Here is a construction technology that is ferrocement, which is cost effective, energy efficient and environmentally sound and more appropriate than conventional technologies. Ferrocement is possessing unique properties of strength and durability. Ferrocement is an innovative technology which finds multiple applications in construction of new structures as well as retrofitting of existing structure. Ferrocement technology gaining popularity and acceptance as a sound retrofitting technique due to its unique feature over conventional techniques such as high ratio of strength to weight, speedy process of construction, low intensity of material used ,cost effectiveness and flexibility regarding to its cutting ,drilling , shaping and joining. This research work presents an investigation on mechanical properties of polymer modified mortar (PMM) and polymer modified ferrocement elements (PMF) under dry curing condition. The experiment program has been carried out in three phases. In the first phase, the effect of addition of polymer on compressive strength, flexural strength and bond or adhesion strength of cement mortar is determined. Second Phase include to determination of the flexural strength and tensile strength of ferrocement elements. In Phase third X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) has been conducted to determine the effect of addition of polymer to chemical properties and microstructure of cement mortar. The Cement mortar has been prepared using different polymer doses varying from 0% to 20% by weight of the cement content in the mortar mix, keeping the workability constant. The results indicated that addition of polymer reduce the water content to maintain the constant workability. SBR polymer modification increases the compressive strength, flexural strength, and bond or adhesion strength of cement mortar. Similarly significant increase in flexural strength and tensile strength has been noticed in polymer modified ferrocement (PMF) elements.