The effects of atmospheric exposure on the fracture properties of polymer concrete

In this experiment the effect of atmospheric exposure of epoxy and fiber-reinforced epoxy polymer concrete was investigated to evaluate its fracture properties, such as stress intensity factor, KIc, and fracture energy, Gf. The deterioration and structural performance of polymer concrete were investigated in a real situation of exposure during a year period and compared the same formulation in laboratory conditions. The relationship between year period, exposure time and load-bearing capacity of deteriorated polymer concrete is studied and fracture mechanics of the specimens are discussed. From the tests results and discussion it is clear that the material studied, polymer concrete, suffers a high deterioration when subjected to aggressive environments.