The influence of emulsified asphalt on mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete

Polymer emulsion is commonly used to prepare the high-performance concrete, including the self-compacting cement concrete (SCC), but the cost obviously increased. One of the alternative emulsions is the inexpensive emulsified asphalt (EA), which has been applied in SCC in recent years. However, the effects of EA on the improved mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete are still unclear. In order to study the mechanical properties of SCC with emulsified asphalt (EASCC), five groups of SCC concrete specimens with different emulsified asphalt content were prepared, and four kinds of tests were performed to evaluate the compressive strength, compressive elastic modulus, flexural strength and fati-gue performance. The results revealed that the compressive strength and the elastic modulus of EASCC decrease with the increased poly-cement ratio (PC ratio). On the contrary, the flexural strength and fati-gue life of EASCC increased with the incorporation of EA, indicating that the emulsified asphalt can effec-tively improve the flexural strength and crack resistance of concrete pavement and prolong the pavement service life. And the better toughness performance was achieved when the PC ratio reaches ten percent. To sum up, the EASCC with ten percent content has better performance and more suitable to apply in the pavement under the. (c) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The incorporation of emulsified asphalt can effectively improve the flexural strength and crack resistance of concrete pavement, prolonging the pavement service life.