Abstract
M.Ing. (Mechanical Engineering)
An investigation was made to determine the feasibility
of using existing international developed compositions
of furfuryl alcohol polymer concrete in South African
applications. Problems were encountered with these
formulations and modifications were required in order to
enhance the application possibilities of the material.
After these modifications were made, tests were
conducted to determine the effects of temperature,
humidity, specimen size and variations in constituent
quantities on the polymerisation reaction and properties
of the material. Engineering characteristics, such as,
compressive strength and durability were investigated
and large scale field tests were performed to
demonstrate the feasibility and simplicity of using
polymer concrete.
The final mix design selected for use in South Africa,
polymerised within 20 minutes obtaining a compressive
strength of 20 MPa in that period. This material proved
stable under adverse chemical conditions and was able to
withstand elevated temperatures of up to 200°C. Tests
on road pothole rehabilitation slabs showed that polymer
concrete can resist high stresses successfully under
repeated loads and can be installed in less than 30
minutes in order to minimize traffic hold-ups.
Furfuryl alcohol polymer concrete can be made at a cost
of approximately 50c/kg and proves to be cost-effective
when compared with epoxies.