Optimization of polymer-modified repair mortar using Taguchi method

Abstract

The objective of this research was to investigate the use of styrene-butadiene rubber in mortar intended for repair purposes. To achieve this goal, several factors were taken into consideration during the development and design of the mixtures, including the amount of binder, water to cement ratio, rates of cement replacement with SBR, and replacement rate of silica fume. The range of variables studied included binder content levels of 425 to 525, water to cement ratios of 0.55 to 0.45, SBR content levels of 0 to 14%, and SF content levels of 0 to 8%. The results of the study revealed that reducing the water to cement ratio, increasing the binder content, and increasing the SF content led to higher strength in the mortar. However, adding SBR content reduced the strength of the mortar while increasing its bond strength. This information could be particularly useful to civil engineers who are interested in using mortar for repair applications.