Behaviour of latex-modified concrete under cyclic loading

A series of uniaxial cyclic tests were conducted on cylindrical specimens of latex-modified concrete. Cylindrical specimens were cast using normal concrete mix of 30 N/mm² strength with three different percentages of styrene butadiene rubber latex, namely 5, 10 and 15% by weight of cement. With increase in latex, the water/cement (w/c) ratio was decreased to ensure the same consistency for all the mixes. The parameters considered for the study were latex dispersion, w/c ratio and the concrete strength. The focus of the study was to investigate the stress–strain behaviour of latex-modified concrete and to develop a non-dimensional model with the observed deformation response. The tests included stress–strain envelope curves, common point curves, stability point curves and plastic strain curves. Analytical expressions are established to represent these curves. It is found that the permissible stress level depends on the plastic strain present in the material. The behaviour of latex-modified concrete under cyclic loading is very similar to that of plain concrete