Effect of polymer addition on air void content of fine grained concretes used in TRCC

Textile Reinforced Cementitious Composite (TRCC) became the most common construction material lately and have excellent properties. TRCC can be employed in the manufacture of thin-walled facade elements, load-bearing integrated formwork, tunnel linings or in the strengthening of existing structures. These composite materials are a combination of matrix and textile materials. There isn’t much research done about the usage of polymer modified matrices in textile reinforced cementitious composites. In this study, matrix materials named as fine grained concretes (d_max = 1.0 mm) were investigated. Air entraining effect of polymer modifiers were analyzed and air void content of fine grained concretes were identified with different methods. Aim of this research is to study the effect of polymer modification on the air content of fine grained concretes and the role of defoamer in controlling it. Polymer modifiers caused excessive air entrainment in all mixtures and defoamer material successfully lowered down the air content in all mixtures. Latex polymer modified mixtures had higher air content than redispersible powder modified ones. Air void analysis test was performed on selected mixtures. Air void parameters were compared with the values taken from air content meter. Close results were obtained with tests and air void analysis test found to be useful and applicable to fine grained concretes. Air void content in polymer modified matrix material used in TRCC found significant because of affecting mechanical and permeability parameters directly.