SP-116 Polymers in Concrete: Advances and Applications gathers and evaluates the latest information on the effects of polymers in concrete. This important ACI publication, a collection of 12 symposium papers combining the development of new concrete polymer materials, give greater insight into the advances of polymer concrete. Gathering expertise form around the world, Polymers in Concrete: Advances and Applications presents case studies such as cold weather polymer concrete repair; performance of multiple layer polymer concrete overlays on bridge decks; electrically conductive polymer concrete facing; influence of aggregate on the fracture properties of polyester polymer concrete; and future trends in polymer concrete. The mission of ACI Committee 548 is to gather and evaluate information on the effects of polymers in concrete. It has sponsored six symposia, all of which have received world-wide acclaim.

Polymer concrete (PC) has attracted significant interest in the past 15 years. It began primarily as a repair material for portland cement concrete, particularly bridges and pavements, and has now attracted considerable interest for other applications. A survey was conducted to determine the predicted needs and trends in the industry. The respondents, representing a wide range of backgrounds, indicated that precast products would have the greatest impact and, among precast products, utility components would lead the way. The greatest needs in the industry were deemed to be lower cost and improved monomers and resins. Many opinions were presented on the needed developments in materials properties. The author also presents his predictions on future trends in monomers and resins, aggregates, equipment, repair, precast products, and overlays. Future needs including improved training, public awareness, and research are discussed.

Results are presented from the preliminary phase of a laboratory test program conducted to identify and evaluate materials for converting hazardous geothermal residues to a nonhazardous and potentially usable form. Laboratory test results indicate that geothermal residues can be effectively incorporated as a fine aggregate into polymer concrete (PC) and portland cement mortar (PCM) composites. PC composites made using an emulsifiable polyester resin and a methyl methacrylate (MMA)-based monomer system exhibited compressive strengths varying between 3700 and 16,500 psi (25.5 and 113.8 MPa), depending upon the type of binder used and the moisture content of the residue. Waste extraction tests (WET) performed on ground samples of the composites indicate elemental levels of leachable heavy metals are below specified soluble threshold limit concentrations (STLC). PCM composites exhibited compressive strengths varying between 2875 and 5530 psi (19.8 and 38.1 MPa), depending upon the type, amount, and moisture content of the residue. WET analysis indicates elemental levels of leachable heavy metals are below specified STLC values for all but one of the PCM composites evaluated.

Composite materials based on sulfur polymer cement (SPC) and mineral aggregate have been developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines as part of a program to utilize abundant mineral resources. Program goals are to develop durable, chemically resistant construction materials to increase productivity in the chemical, fertilizer, and metallurgical industries by lowering maintenance costs for labor, energy, equipment, and material. This paper describes the research related to development of SPC, the sulfur concrete (SC), and the industrial testing, together with commercial-scale equipment development and large-scale construction practices. Thermoplastic SPC is produced commercially by reacting cyclic olefinic hydrocarbon chemical modifiers with elemental sulfur at 300 F (149 C) in a sealed chemical reactor. The molten SPC is mixed with mineral aggregates, producing a high-strength concrete product with an average compressive strength of 7000 psi (48 MPa) upon cooling. State-of-the-art production and construction techniques are described. Currently, SC materials are showing superior performance characteristics to portland cement concrete (PCC) in special industrial applications where corrosive environments exist.

Acrylic polymer concrete was used to repair absorptive aggregate "pop outs" on the concrete stilling basin apron of Palisades Dam, Idaho. This work was accomplished during December 1986 when ambient air temperatures were below -10 F (-23 C). Ice dikes were used to direct gate leakage away from the repair areas. Hot forced-air heaters, gas-fired weed burners, and incandescent electrical lights were used to provide heat to the repairs.