Natural Rubber Latex Modified Concrete for Resilient Construction

Abstract Major infrastructure projects often demand high performance concrete with properties such as high flexural strength, toughness, resistance to abrasion and high durability. Polymer modified concrete facilitates to enhance the flexural strength and serviceability of concrete structures. In this study, the potential of Natural Rubber Latex (NRL), a natural polymer, as an alternative to synthetic latex for enhancing the performance characteristics of concrete is explored. Natural rubber latex is added in concrete to incorporate dry rubber content of 0.5–2% by weight of cement in the mixture composition. A comparison of latex modified concrete is made with polypropylene and basalt fibre-reinforced concrete and the hybrid effect of fibre and latex in concrete. Results indicated a significant increase in energy absorption capacity (up to 231%) due to impact loading and reduction in wear in addition to the improvement in flexural strength with the modification of concrete using latex. Reduced chloride ion permeability and water absorption of latex modified concrete is indicative of highly durable concrete. Microstructure investigation confirmed a dense matrix for the NRL modified concrete making it a promising solution for structures in aggressive environments and pavement construction.