Characteristic values of pultruded fibre composite sections for structural design

Abstract

Polymer concrete is becoming popular as a new construction material due to its high compressive, tensile and flexural strengths, short curing time, impact resistance, chemical resistance and freeze-thaw durability. It is reported to have used in a range of civil and structural applications such as bridge decking, concrete crack repair, pavement overlays, hazardous waste containers, waste water pipes and decorative construction panels. However its use can be limited due to the fact that well-agreed stressstrain relationships are not widely available. A research program has been initiated to improve fundamental understanding of this material and to provide the knowledge required for its broad utilization. In the experimental part of this project, two types of resins (polyester and epoxy resin) combined with fly ash and sand were used to make the organic polymer concrete mortar. These mortar samples were tested for the compressive stress-strain relationship of polymer based concrete. This paper investigates the applicability of currently available stress strain relationships to predict the behaviour of polymer concrete observed in the experimental component of this project. Ultimately it describes a constitutive model for unconfined polymer concrete