The effects of latex modification and steel fiber reinforcement on the impact resistance and flexural strength and toughness of concrete materials were investigated. Two levels of latex content and two different fiber volume fractions were considered. Latex modification was particularly effective in increasing the impact resistance ofplain concrete. Flexural strength was also increased in the presence of latex, but the flexural toughness of plain concrete did not receive major benefits from latex modification. Steel fibers were effective in increasing the impact resistance and flexural strength and toughness of concrete. The advantages associated with the joint use of steel fibers and latex polymers in concrete materials are assessed. Specifically, the effects of steel fiber reinforcement and latex modification on the impact resistance, flexural strength, and toughness characteristics of concrete materials are addressed. The hypothesis is that the improved adhesion capacity and ductility of concrete matrices incorporating latex polymers make them more compatible withsteel fibers. The coimbined action of steel fibers and latex polymers produces the best performance characteristics. In the case of impact resistance and flexural toughness, the joint effects of latex and steel fibers are more than additive, indicating a positive interaction between the two. Latex modification seems to make concrete matrices more compatible with steel fibers. The increase in fiber-to-matrix bond in the presence of latex also seems to enhance the reinforcement properties of steel fibers in concrete. This paper appears in transportation research record no. 1301, Factors affecting properties and performance of pavements and bridges 1991.
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