Effect of using polymer on the properties of concrete with recycled ballast aggregate

Abstract

The bond strength between ballast aggregates and mortar is a critical factor to achieving the required performance in rapid-hardening track technology. To enhance this strength, the use of polymer is suggested in several studies. In this study, the effect on the properties of preplaced concrete using polymer is evaluated. For this purpose, polymer in different quantities is used to find out the optimal polymer content in concrete with different dry-washing levels of ballast aggregate. Moreover, compressive strength and flexural tests, and freezing-thawing tests are conducted to measure the effect of these variables on the properties of concrete