Polymers in Civil Engineering

Poly meros = many parts

Monomer = non-linked mer material
Polymers = long continuous chain
molecules formed from repeated
sequences of small organic units (mers).
molecular weight in excess of 10,000.

Polymerization
the use of heat, pressure or a
chemical catalyst to link monomer
material into polymer chains.

Plastic Types
Thermosetting plastic

a polymer material
that cannot be
reformed after
manufacturing
cross linked chain
networks
less creep, isotropic
good structural
properties
injection molded

Thermo plastic

a polymer that can

be remolded after
manufacturing.
softens upon
reheating
substantial creep,
isotropic properties
extrusion (PVC
pipe) or molding
(PET soda bottles)

Natural Polymers

wood
leather
cotton
rubber
wool
asphalt

Manufactured Polymers
Epoxy (thermosetting)
Polyesters (thermoplastic or thermoset)
Sulfur Concrete (thermoplastic)
Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)
Polyurethane
Polystyrene (thermoplastic)
Polyvinyl chloride, PVC (thermoplastic)
Polyethylene (thermoplastic)

Epoxy (thermosetting)
Physical Properties

Strength and Moduli vary with temperature

and formulation
Thermal coefficient greater than concrete
Brittle behavior (more brittle than concrete)
Excellent adhesion - tenacious bond
High tensile and compressive strength
Highly resistant to chemical attack and wear

Epoxy
Disadvantages and limitations

Properties are very sensitive to mixing and

proportioning procedures
Some cannot be used in moist environments
Strong Allergenic, safety
Some have strong oder prior to
polymerization
Physical properties are substantially
different from other materials

Epoxy
Applications

Adhesive (old concrete to new

concrete, welding cracked concrete,
bonding diverse materials)
Patching voids
Durable overlays and coatings

Polyesters
Thermoplastic or Thermoset
Physical Properties

Strength and Moduli vary with

temperature and formulation
Thermal coefficient greater than
concrete

Polyesters
Advantages

Good Chemical
Resistance
Easy to use
Good strength
Good ductility
Inexpensive

Disadvantages
and Limitations

Some have
marginal bond
quality
More expansion
and shrinkage
than concrete

Applications of Polyester

Floor coatings
Protective coatings
Adhesive bonder or sealer
Binder for fiberglass or artificial wood
Sealer for Epoxy injection
Anchoring for drilled holes
Binder for polymer mortar

Sulfur Concrete (thermoplastic)

Physical Properties

Modulus of Elasticity similar to concrete

Thermal expansion greater than concrete

Advantages

Exceptional chemical resistance

Cold joints preventable
Rapid Strength gain (80%@ 2 h; 100%@ 24 h)
High strength (7000 psi)
Will set below freezing

Sulfur Concrete
Disadvantages

Requires special
equipment
Special handling
required - high
temperature
(280F)
Will melt at 246F
Few applicators

Applications

High chemical
resistance floors,
etc.
Rapid pavement
repair or
construction

Methyl Methacrylate (MMA)

Thermoset
Physical Properties

clear or any color

thermal expansion higher than
concrete
low viscosity (< water)
high strength

MMA
Advantages

Rapid Strength
Good bond to dry
surfaces
Easy to mix
Pre-packaged mixes
Impermeable to water
resistance to acids
excellent abrasion
resistance

Disadvantages

expensive
hazardous (fire)
odor
more shrinkage
than concrete

MMA
Applications

Plexiglas
Pavement of bridge decks
Thin Overlays (3/16"+)
Impregnation
precast elements

Polystyrene (thermoplastic)
Advantages

water resistant
dimensional
stability
inexpensive

Disadvantages

low tensile
strength
low modulus
poor heat
resistance
poor weather
resistance
brittle, low
toughness

Polyvinyl chloride, PVC

Thermoplastic
Physical Properties

Tensile 10-41 MPa (1500 - 6000 psi)

Compressive 55-110 MPa (8000 16000 psi)
200 - 15 % elongation
t = 75 x 10-6 in./in./C
E = 3.6 Gpa (5 x 105 psi)

PVC
Advantages

excellent insulator
diverse applications
chemical resistance
long-term stability
flame resistant
weather resistant
Adhesion to glass
resistance to oil

Disadvantages

low modulus
Moisture
sensitivity in
production

PVC
Applications

pipe
raincoats
window frames and moldings
electrical cables
floor tiles
siding

Polyethylene (thermoplastic)
Physical Properties

E = .13 GPa (.19 x 105 psi)

t = 1.0 x10-4/F
tensile strength 13.8 MPa (2 ksi)

Advantages

tough, durable, weather resistant

chemical and moisture resistance
excellent electrical properties

Polyethylene
Applications

sheet plastic, membranes, liners

pipe, electrical conduit
tanks, bottles

Polyurethane
Physical Properties

Sensitive to temperature and RH

low elastic moduli 4- 400 ksi

Advantages

Resistant to Chemicals
lightweight and resistant to wear
Closed Cell material when used with
foams
Cryogenic performance

Polymer Composites
An Overview

Composites with Thermoplastics

Glass Fiber Composites (20-40% wt)

Monofilament
Braided Strand
Chop Fiber

Polymer

Polypropylene (PP), Polycarbonate (PC),

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET),
Polybutylene Terephthalate (PBT), Nylon

Typical Properties
E, GPa

Ft, MPa

PP

70-90

0.02

PC & PBT

120

0.02

Aramid

80-170

3500

Carbon

34-800

5000

200

400

0.002

Steel

What is FRP?
FRP stands for Fiber Reinforced
Plastic
FRP is used in structural shapes,
repair materials or as reinforcement
for concrete
FRP is a composite material
consisting of artificial fibers
encased in a resin matrix

Materials Used in FRP

Fiber Types
+
+

+
+

Glass
Poly-Vinyl Alcohol
(PVA)
Carbon
Aramid (Kevlar)

Resin Types
+
+

Epoxy
Polyester

Resins are
thermosetting

Manufacture of FRP Rods

Pultrusion
+

Enables a high percentage of fibers to

be included in the cross section

Braiding
+

Creates surface deformations which

enhance the FRP to concrete bond

Hybrid Rods

Engineering Properties of FRP

High Tensile Strength
On average, the tensile strength of FRP is

10% to 500% greater than steel

Low Moduli of Elasticity

With the exception of Carbon rods, FRP

has only 1/10 to 1/2 the modulus of steel

Linear Stress-Strain Relationship

Applications of FRP
Reinforcement bars for Concrete
Prestressing Tendons for Concrete
Members
FRP sheets can be used to increase
flexural strength in weakened or
underdesigned members

Advantages of FRP
Will Not Corrode In Field Conditions
Lightweight
Strong in Tension
Methods of Construction Same as
Steel Reinforcement

Disadvantages of FRP
Low Moduli of Elasticity
Cannot be Shaped in the Field
More Expensive than Steel
Coefficients of Thermal Expansion
are Different than Those of Steel or
Concrete

Conclusion
FRP Reinforcement is an
Engineered Material that Shows
Great Promise In the Future of Civil
Engineering