Mechanical and permeability characteristics of latex-modified pre-packed pavement repair concrete as a function of the rapid-set binder content

Abstract

We evaluated the strength and durability characteristics of latex-polymer-modified, pre-packed pavement repair concrete (LMPPRC) with a rapid-set binder. The rapid-set binder was a mixture of rapid-set cement and silica sand, where the fluidity was controlled using a latex polymer. The resulting mix exhibited a compressive strength of ≥21 MPa and a flexural strength of ≥3.5 MPa after 4 h of curing (i.e., the traffic opening term for emergency repairs of pavement). The ratio of latex polymer to rapid-set binder material was varied through 0.40, 0.33, 0.29, and 0.25. Mechanical characterization revealed that the mechanical performance, permeability, and impact resistance increased as the ratio of latex polymer to rapid-set binder decreased. The mixture exhibited a compressive strength of ≥21 MPa after 4 h when the ratio of latex polymer to rapid-set binder material was ≤0.29. The mixture exhibited a flexural strength of ≥3.5 MPa after 4 h when the ratio of latex polymer to rapid-set binder material was ≤0.33. The permeability resistance to chloride ions satisfied 2000 C after 7 days of curing for all ratios. The ratio of latex polymer to rapid-set binder material that satisfied all conditions for emergency pavement repair was ≤0.29.