Polymer-concrete composite with recycled aggregates

Concrete modification by polymers is one of possibilities to obtain material of high mechanical properties with satisfactory durability and also with high aesthetic values. Basic terms of polymer technology and rules of polymer concrete modification are described. Some results from own experimental research on polymer modified concrete, as well as testing results of other authors are presented. The greatest effects of polymer modification are on the increase of concrete tensile strength, ductility, bonding of reinforcement and concrete, and on improvement of properties contributing the durability of reinforcement structures. Possibilities for use of polymer-concrete composites, which are confirmed in practice of developed countries, are pointed out. Concept of sustainable development, which beside sociological end economic aspects, include saving of energy, environment protection and preservation of an restorable natural resources, presents strategic determination of various economic sectors. In that way great contribution is expected from construction industry. Lack of natural aggregate in urban areas and increasing distance between deposits of high-quality natural aggregate and building sites, forced building contactors to analyze possibility of change of natural aggregate with recycled materials. On the other hand, huge amount of old concrete exists in urban areas and it's removal and deposition is a big ecological problem. In the paper are briefly described basic properties, as well as possibilities of application of concrete with recycled aggregate. Investigation of concrete and mortar in which possibility of modification of concrete structure and use of recycled concrete aggregate are combined, has been started last few years. Although, at the moment there are only few experiments, first results shows that with use of polymers certain properties of recycled aggregate concrete could be improved, that open wide possibilities for use of these concrete types in civil engineering practice.