Recent Development and Application of Polymers in Concrete Technology in Singapore

Abstract

Polymer has been extensively used in construction in Singapore during the past few decades and has become a necessary component of some building materials including polymer modified cement mortar, epoxy or Polyurethane (PU) floor screed and injection materials, and fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) materials. Compare with conventional concrete, polymer concrete composites may achieve remarkable advantages, such as high tension, high flexural strength, high ductility, ability to absorb energy, and high resistance to chemical attack, corrosion, freezing and thawing, and consequently gain more research interest for the scientific community. There are numerous possibilities for incorporation of these materials, such as latex, natural resources, fibers, nanomaterials and laminates. The presence of polymer makes it suitable for wide applications. The various categories of polymer concrete composites are widely used in Singapore’s public and private projects. To ensure and maintain the high standards of the building quality, independent testing and inspection plays a very important role. The present paper reviews recent research and development activities, and applications of polymer concrete composites in Singapore. The innovations and new approaches are reviewed. The development of the requirements and specifications for various polymer concrete composite products are described and discussed. The effect of different factors on the polymer concrete composite and material selection are also described. In addition, the paper also outlines the methods and measures used to inspect and control the quality of application.