Properties of Polymer Concrete Using Fly Ash

This paper investigates the use of fly ash as a replacement for sand in polymer concrete (PC). It is shown that a replacement of 15% by weight of sand with fly ash improves the compressive strength of unreinforced PC cylinders by about 30% and the flexural strength of steel-reinforced PC beams by about 15%. Other improvements in properties are relatively minor and include the tensile bond strength of PC under thermal cycling and the creep compliance of the PC under sustained loading. The replacement of sand with fly ash, however, does not seem to have an impact on the shear strength of PC. Potential applications of PC using fly ash are numerous, including thin overlays on bridges and floors, repairing concrete bridges and pavements, and the production of precast components such as wall panels, floor blocks, and underground vaults.