Mechanical capabilities and fire endurance of natural rubber latex-modified cement concrete

Abstract

Compressive, indirect tensile, and flexural strengths characteristics of natural rubber latex modified concrete (NRLMC) were studied and reported — Part I. In addition, a comparative investigation between normal concrete (NC) and NRLMC, conducted on fire endurance was also presented — Part II. Normal and modified elements containing latex–water ratios within 0–10% were prepared and cured in accordance with the Japan Industrial Standard. Fire endurance capacity was assessed at five temperature levels; ambient temperature (27 °C), 150, 300, 500, and 800 °C. However, elevated heating (800–1300 °C) was further applied for the purpose of monitoring behavior at the verge of disintegration. Specimens were allowed to cool in the oven prior to compressive strength tests until room temperature is attained. Test results indicate that significant mechanical capabilities could be achieved by the inclusion of an appropriate quantity of latex concentrate and proper selection of befitting curing regime. Interestingly, the superiority of NRLMC over NC is maintained even under fire, up to the critical limit of latex-film capability performance.