Experimental Investigations on the Properties of Epoxy-Resin-Bonded Cement Concrete Containing Sea Sand for Use in Unreinforced Concrete Applications

This paper deals with the experimental studies conducted on the effects of using sea sand on the properties of polymer concrete modified using epoxy resin. The physical properties including workability, mechanical properties, and durability properties were evaluated as a function of sea-sand substitution. The results obtained behave as strong evidence for the feasibility of using sea sand as fine aggregate to solve the problem associated with the exhaustion of natural aggregates when used in combination with epoxy polymer. A clear understanding of the behavior of polymer concrete with sea sand as aggregate was obtained through some preliminary investigations. The test results showed a significant improvement in the compressive and flexural strength due to the sea-sand substitution in polymer concrete. Resistance to the water intrusion was also improved for the concrete mixes due to the inclusion of epoxy resin. The quality and the integrity of the concrete were also improved, as evident from the SEM analysis and infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and the results function as solid basis for the use of sea-sand polymer-modified concrete for practical applications. Results also show that 15% replacement of fine aggregate by sea sand in air-cured polymer concrete exhibited enhanced strength and durability properties; thus, the produced concrete can be an effective material for unreinforced concrete applications.