PSI - Issue 81

Mykhailo Hud et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 81 (2026) 205–209

208

10 15 20 25 30 35

30.7

Strength (MP а )

17.4

16.6

0 5

Series 1

Series 2

Series 3

Fig. 2 Average compressive strength of test specimens from relevant series

The failure pattern of the specimens warrants particular attention. The concretes modified with epoxy resin exhibited atypical failure mechanisms that differed from the classical brittle fracture characteristic of water – cement specimens. The nonstandard failure behaviour indicates alterations in the material’s internal structure, an uneven distribution of the polymer component , and the formation of weak zones within the matrix. In contrast, the mixtures containing only water demonstrated a predictable and uniform failure mode typical of conventional cement concrete. a b

Fig. 3. Destruction of test samples from relevant series (a) Series 2. (b) Series 3.

Additionally, water absorption characteristics were determined. The lowest water uptake was recorded for Series 3, with a mass of 7.8 kg in the dry state and 7.81 kg after testing. Intermediate values were observed for Series 2, with masses of 8.20 kg when dry and 8.25 kg after testing. The highest values corresponded to Series 1, amounting to 8.8 kg in the dry state and 8.88 kg after testing.

0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1

Absorption (%)

ABSORPTION (%)

SERIES 1

SERIES 2

SERIES 3

Fig. 4. Variation in water absorption of test specimens from each series