Effect of Epoxy Resin on the Strength Propery of Portland Cement Concrete

In this study, the strength effect of partially substituting Portland Cement (PC) with epoxy-resin in making concrete was examined. A mix ratio of 1:1.87:2.67 (PC: sand: granite chippings) at water-cement ratio of 0.5 targeting a strength of 30N/mm2 was adopted. The epoxy resin was mixed with hardener at a proportion of 1:0.5 and this mixture was used to replace PC at 10% intervals starting from 0% to 40%. Six cubes were cast for each mix ratio and were cured in water at room temperature for 28 days. The first set of samples were treated by heating them in an oven to a temperature of 1000C for 1 hour before testing in compression while, the other set were not treated. Results showed that as the quantity of epoxy resin in the concrete enlarged the compressive strength values reduced. But a rise was observed at 30%. All concrete produced were structural in nature except for the heated 40% specimen. An optimal replacement strength of 32.10 N/mm2 at 30% inclusion (unheated) and lowest strength of 18.63 N/mm2 at 40% replacement (heated) were obtained. The heated samples experienced further reduction in their compressive strength values. An 8.94% drop in strength was observed between the maximum replacement values for the heated and unheated samples at 30%. In conclusion, epoxy resin concrete can be used for structural works at replacement levels up to 40%. However, if the concrete will be exposed to increased temperature of 1000C, then an optimal replacement level of 30% is recommended.