An Experimental Study on Polymer Impregnated Concrete with GGBS.

Abstract

Ground granulated blast-furnace slag, commonly known as GGBS, is a material that possesses characteristics akin to cement. It is a substance that is derived as a by-product from the blast furnaces used to produce iron. GGBS is used widely to enhance the quality of concrete by increasing strength, improving durability, providing resistance to sulfate and chloride attacks. In this exploratory research, 15% of the total cement for three grades of concrete, namely, M20, M40 and M60 are replaced with GGBS. The moulds used for this research are cube, beam and cylinder. They are cast in the moulds, allowed to sit for 24 hours and then removed. The concrete specimens are then cured for 7 and 28 days. Furthermore, after the completion of curing, they are made to undergo partial polymer impregnation of concrete. The polymer used for this process is polyester and styrene. Upon the completion of polymer impregnation, the cast moulds are tested for their compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength. The results are then compared with conventional concrete. This research aims to study the contribution of GGBS concrete along with polymer impregnation to the strength characteristics.