Nioro G.

Furiscal MSCE Structural Engineering Title: Influence of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) on the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) and Flexure Capacity for Normal Strength Concrete Rationale: Concrete is very strong in compressive stress but weak in tensile stress because of the phenomena that occurs between the cement paste and the aggregates, known as the Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ). ITZ constitutes the weakest link in the normal concrete matrix and significantly affects the properties of the concrete. The ITZ is a region with a higher w/c, and thus a higher porosity, than the bulk paste. From this statement, if ITZ will be reduced or controlled, if not eliminated, the flexure side will desirably increase. In Lieu of this, if the cement paste is sufficient enough to minimize the ITZ this will now be in the study of what material should be added to strengthen the flexure specially on the tension side. The researcher got the interest on using Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) as an additional component to the cement paste. Commercially, PVA is the most important plastic for production of water soluble film. It is characterized by excellent film-forming, emulsifying, and adhesive properties. It has a high tensile strength, good flexibility, good oxygen barrier properties and good solvent resistance properties. PVA finds use in variety of market sectors such as agriculture, cleaning and detergent products, health and hygiene, horticulture, personal care and toiletries, speciality chemicals and water treatment. From the mentioned important property of PVA, which is high in tensile strength, there is a possibility of complementing the weakness of concrete which is the tension side which is caused by ITZ and can be checked by investigating the influence of such material by conducting destructive and non-destructive test.