Experimental behaviour of Polyvinyl-Alcohol Modified concrete

This paper reports the results of experimental tests on Polyvinyl-Alcohol modified concrete. The mechanical properties, such as uniaxial compression strength and elastic modulus, and the influence of a cross-linking agent are investigated. Uniaxial tests under displacement control both monotonic and cyclic are performed to study the ductility properties of the new composite material and the degradation evolution of the secant stiffness. Moreover, SEM observations and EDX spectroscopy analyses are carried out. In some cases a really significant reduction of the compressive strength is observed due to a pronounced air entrapment in the mixture. Nevertheless, the presence of the polymer introduces a considerable improvement in the ductility of the material, drastically reduces the surface cracking, which is prerequisite for increasing the durability and for reducing stiffness damage.