Mechanical properties of novel PVA rubberized concrete

Alternative aggregates have undergone intensive research work that has led to confidence in its utilization in concrete. Likewise, various polymers have been investigated to enhance the strength parameters of concrete. This study was dedicated to studying the influence of PVA (poly-vinyl alcohol) on fresh and hardened properties of rubberized concrete. In this study, nine different grades of concrete were cast containing two proportions of rubber, that is, 5% and 10% by mass of fine aggregate, while two dosages of PVA, that is, 1% and 2% by mass of cement. The results obtained for fresh properties of concrete indicate that rubber led to lower the workability and fresh density of concrete while PVA showed to enhance the workability but lowers the fresh density of concrete. Crumb rubber led to a reduction in mechanical strength parameters of concrete which were significantly recovered with the incorporation of PVA. It was witnessed that, both rubber and PVA substantially enhance the resistance of concrete to acid attack and the strain capacity of concrete. Moreover, PVA led to cause a tad increase in the modulus of elasticity (MOE) while rubber causes a dip in MOE.