Research Article:

Muslim A. k. AL-Kannoon
Department of Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Kufa University.

ABSTRACT

This investigation aims to improve the stress-strain behavior and mechanical properties of
lightweight concrete in order to use it in structural members. Special type of lightweight concrete was
produced in this study prepared by mixing Ordinary Portland Cement(OPC type I) and white gravel
of low specific gravity, sand with very low percentage of 10% from gravel weight, and w/c ranged
from 0.42 to 0.46 , silica fume added as percentage from cement weight and STYRENE
BUTADIENE RUBBER (SBR) was added also in different percentages(5%, 10% and 15%). The
main mixes 1:5 (cement: gravel) and 1:4 were used in this study. The tests in this research include
stress- strain tests for both ascending and descending portions, compressive strength test, tensile
strength test, flexural strength test and density of specimens. The most significance effect done by
adding 15% SBR resin and gives (110%) increment in compressive strength for 1:4 mixes and ( 142
%) increment for1:5 mixes. For mixes 1:5 and by adding 15% SBR, the tensile strength increased
100%, flexural strength increased also 62% and density of specimens increased 8.2% , but more
significant effect is seen for mixes 1:4, the increased in tensile and flexural strength and density of
specimens were 138%, 109% and 7.71% respectively. The values of modulus of elasticity increased
also compared with reference mixes and have excellent values ,by adding 15%SBR the increment
was ( 58 %) for 1:4 mixes, and ( 150 %) increment for 1:5 mixes, that increments are very important
to reduce the deflection in concrete members such as slabs and beams, therefore, like this polymer
concrete can be used as structural members

Keywords: stress-strain behavior, compressive strength, flexural strength, modulus of elasticity, lightweight concrete , polymer concrete, SBR.

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