Faculty of Engineering, Technology, Applied Design & FineArt (FETADFA)

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Browsing Faculty of Engineering, Technology, Applied Design & FineArt (FETADFA) by Subject "Epoxy Concentrations"

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    Investigating the Performance of Epoxy Concentrations in the Self-Healing of Concrete.
    (Kabale University, 2024) Manzi, Evans Evalist
    Concrete, a fundamental construction material, is susceptible to various forms of damage (cracking). Formation of cracks may result due to the shrinkage effects during curing and mechanical loading which deteriorate the concrete performance especially in terms of durability aspect. Traditional methods of repair often involve human intervention and significant costs. In recent years, the concept of self-healing concrete has gained traction as a potential solution to mitigate the impact of cracks and enhance the longevity of structures. Self-healing concrete by using bacteria as a healing agent had gained interest among researchers. In contrast, this research delves into the intricate relationship between epoxy concentrations and the self-healing capabilities of concrete, aiming to provide comprehensive insights into optimal concentrations and their implications for construction. The experiment involved varying epoxy concentrations, ranging from 0% to 15%, in concrete mixes. Critical parameters, such as slump, compressive strength at 28 days, and microscopic structure after crack induction, were meticulously analyzed. The objective was to understand how epoxy, known for its adhesive and cohesive properties, influences the mechanical properties and self-healing potential of concrete. The experimental setup aimed to simulate real-world scenarios where concrete structures may be exposed to external stresses leading to cracks. The results revealed a consistent decrease in slump as epoxy concentrations increased, indicating a reduction in concrete work-ability. Notably, the compressive strength at 28 days exhibited a fascinating trend. At 5% epoxy, there was a modest increase in strength, while the optimal concentration of 10% demonstrated a significant enhancement. However, concentrations beyond the optimum (15% epoxy) led to a decline in compressive strength. The experiment's pivotal phase involved crack induction to assess self-healing capabilities. At 10% epoxy concentration, the compressive strength increased after crack induction. Microscopic analysis further corroborated these findings, revealing signs of self-healing within the concrete matrix. This enhancement suggested a unique healing mechanism associated with the optimal epoxy concentration.