Self-sealing concrete mortar, concrete mortar mixed with super absorbent polymer

Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Department, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, AURAK, Ras Al Khaimah, UAE.

^* Corresponding author: malnasra@gmail.com

Abstract

Researchers tried almost every conceivable material to be mixed in concrete to alter some of its properties. In this research superabsorbent polymer is used as an admixture to improve its water tightness properties especially in concrete tanks, aeration basins, and retaining structures. The concrete tries to seal the leak by blocking the water path by semi-solid gels. This gel is the product of the interaction of the superabsorbent polymer with water. Several samples have been prepared to study the effect of the superabsorbent polymer on the concrete strength, and on the concrete capability to block the water flow. Concrete cubes, concrete beams, and concrete tension samples were prepared to study the concrete strength of concrete mixed with superabsorbent polymer. Also concrete short cylindrical samples were prepared to study the concrete ability to block the water flow. These cylindrical samples were intentionally broken into two approximately equal pieces to create an induced crack. The artificially cracked samples are then subjected to water pressure to study the concrete ability to stop the water flow though the induced concrete crack. Two kinds of water pressure are used in this research; the constant head, and the falling head.