JASC: Journal of Applied Science and Computations ISSN NO: 1076-5131

Polymers in Civil Engineering: Review of alternative

materials for superior performance
Dr. Mousumi Bhattacharjee James1,
1Assistant Professor, Department of Applied Chemistry. New Horizon Institute of Technology and Management, Thane,
Maharashtra., India,mbjames1@gmail.com
Abstract: Polymers have been established as a material resource of paramount importance in innumerable applications pertaining to almost all
branches of engineering and applied sciences. The interdisciplinary scientific nature of Polymer Science emerging from Chemistry, but now
encompassing physics, mathematics, biochemistry, thermo dynamics, energetics and multi-faceted engineering applications has made it a field
of unmitigated importance. In the field of civil engineering the researchers have been actively engaged to collaborate with polymer scientists to
constantly innovate, design, redesign and improvise materials to be used in civil engineering for improved, augmented and unsurpassed utility,
strength and durability. In the times to come the world will definitely witness a massive change in the building construction arena with
polymeric materials which will supersede their precursors in totality. Some of the useful properties of various engineering polymers are high
strength or modulus to weight ratios (light weight but comparatively stiff and strong), toughness, mechanical strength, resilience, resistance to
corrosion, lack of conductivity (heat and electrical), color, transparency, processing, and cost effectiveness.Affirmed confidence in the strength,
performance and properties have always been imperative while selecting materials for construction. Polymers have attracted the attention of
researchers in the field of civil engineering since the past few decades, they are relatively new compared to traditional material types but the
introduction of polymeric materials can assure certain aspects of strength, corrosion resistance, flexibility, cost effectiveness and many more
attributes to building constructions. Hence it is suggested that continuous research be pursued to unveil the hidden aspects of this field. This
review touches various aspects of polymers used in the field of civil engineering for construction purposes.

Keywords: Polymers, plastics, civil engineering, mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, concrete, Fiber Reinforced Polymers.

I. INTRODUCTION
Polymers have been established as a material resource of paramount importance in innumerable applications pertaining to almost all
branches of engineering and applied sciences. The interdisciplinary scientific nature of Polymer Science emerging from Chemistry,
but now encompassing physics, mathematics, biochemistry, thermo dynamics, energetics and multi-faceted engineering applications
has made it a field of unmitigated importance.The striking utility applications and continuously growing necessity for novel
polymeric materials and its innovative and multifaceted applications has created the need for a huge platform for the researchers,
academicians, scientific intelligentsia and students to be urgently involved in polymer research. The recent environmental awareness
at the global platform has seen the rise of various degradable polymeric materials which has attracted a lot of attention and interest
of the researchers. The areas which are being explored are not only the utility point of view but also the sustainability, recyclability,
and environmental responsibility. Because of ongoing R&D activities, a large number of degradable polymers also havebeen
reported which ensures environmental security too. In the field of civil engineering the researchers have been actively engaged to
collaborate with polymer scientists to constantly innovate, design, redesign and improvise materials to be used in civil engineering
for improved, augmented and unsurpassed utility, strength and durability. In the times to come the world will definitely witness a
massive change in the building construction arena with polymeric materials which will supersede their precursors in totality.

II. ATTRIBUTES OF POLYMERS WHICH AFFIRM THEIR FOOTHOLD

Natural polymers of both plant or animal origin such as wool, silk, shellac, bitumen, rubber, and cellulose have their utilities proven
in our lives since time immemorial. Recent developments have facilitated the search of numerous synthetic polymers developed in
laboratories , customized to meet certain material needs for engineering material. As quoted in a study 1“ the majority of polymers
or plastics used for engineering design are synthetic and often they are specifically formulated ordesigned by chemists or chemical
engineers to serve a specific purpose. Other engineers (mechanical, civil, electrical, etc.) typically design engineering components
from the available materials or, sometimes, work directly with chemists or chemical engineers to synthesize a polymer with
particular characteristics.”Researchers and scientists have consistently proven the multifaceted virtues of polymers which over a
period of time have now been established. Some of the useful properties of various engineering polymers are high strength or
modulus to weight ratios (light weight but comparatively stiff and strong), toughness, mechanical strength, resilience, resistance to
corrosion, lack of conductivity (heat and electrical), color, transparency, processing, and cost effectiveness.The advantages related
to their virtues are hence corelated. Plastics are strong yet lightweight, and so they are easy to transport &manoeuvre. They are
durable, knock-and scratch resistant with excellent resistance to weathering. They are easy to install and offer an array of
possibilities in design achieved by extrusion, bending and molding. Dyeing pigments can be easily added to them to obtain colors of

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all variations. The plastics usually poor conductors of heat and thus are used as insulation materials in green building concepts. They
can be sawn and nailed by standard carpentry tools and skills. Moreover, they can be easily removed and recycled.
Most of theparticular characteristics of polymers are by virtue ofthe fact unique to polymers that is their long chain molecular
structure with thousands of repeating units.Their macromolecular structure consisting of single type or multiple type of monomers
enable the formation of innumerable entities in this class of materials, each having its unique set of attributes.

III. POLYMERS IN THE FIELD OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Analyzing historically, we find certain traditional materials which include steel, concrete, timber and masonry to have monopolized the
construction industry. Masonry and timber were the chief materials for building structures till a few hundred years ago. The last two hundred years
has seen the emergence of structural steelwork and RCC or reinforced cement concrete as leading construction material. However, Steel and
concrete, which has largely contributed to the sustenance of the construction industry in many parts of the world, can both be affected by various
degree and forms of degradation, if no preventive measures are taken. Hence came the utility of polymers into this vast arena of constructions.
Polymers which are made of huge number of subunits or molecules called monomers are macromolecular in nature with enormous molecular
mass. They have an inherent virtue of being non-corrosivewith mechanical durability and resistance to degradation.A study2 reflected the findings
that Polymers used in concrete generally, are of three types which is made by polymer, including polymer impregnated concrete (PIC), polymer
concrete (PC) and polymer modified concrete (PMC) which improve mechanical and chemical properties of concrete, some of which include
increased compressive strength, flexural and tensile strength as well as good performance in increasing durability, reducing corrosion and
permeability of concrete.

Polymers find extensive usage and account for the highest growth area as construction materials in the construction industry, for both structural
and non-structural applications. The major advantage of this class of material is the variety of characteristics that can be tailored for various
applications. There are various types of polymers classified as thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers, plastics, rubbers, thermoplastic elastomers,
adhesives, foams, paints and sealants.Well established applications of polymers in construction include areas such as flooring, windows, cladding,
rainwater, pipes, membranes, seals, glazing, insulation and the like. With abounding commercially available polymers constantly being researched
and improvised new applications are continuously emerging and being practically applied. The field of construction is such that all materials used
must have proven mechanical, and tensile strength, must have resilience so that due confidence in the performance and properties of materials used
is assured. Polymers are relatively new entrants in the field of constructions compared to the conventional and traditional materials used for
thousands of years hence extensive studies and valid scientific research will be needed to substantiate the introduction of polymeric materials and
new concerns particularly relating to their longevity, and how they will be affected by general ageing and weathering, the effects of pollution and
their life cycle. Constant research is being done in order to improve performance of concrete and structures. As we know, polymers provide huge
opportunities for the advancement of materials research, the improvement of material property, and the strengthening of structures, hence polymers
have found a significant place in the field of construction.Well-established applications of polymers in construction include products used for
flooring, windows, cladding, pipes, membranes, seals, insulation, and so on. With thousands of commercially available polymers new applications
are constantly emerging.

Polymers are used in the construction industry extensively, for both structural and non-structural purposes. Structurally they can be used in Ropes,
Grids, Rebars-Fire reinforced plastic (FRP) Reinforcement bars for concrete , Prestressing tendons for concrete members, FRP sheets can be used
to increase flexural strength in weakened or under designed members. Moreovera study 4 reported a state-of-the-art review of fundamental research
on the behavior of pultruded fiber reinforced polymer closed sections and highlights gaps in knowledge and areas of potential further research.
Literature on research of polymers 2 states that “ Generally, there are three types of concrete which is made by polymer including polymer
impregnated concrete (PIC), polymer concrete (PC) and polymer modified concrete (PMC). In this article, we have tried to review the history of
using polymers in concrete as well as reviewing techniques and modern researches in the construction and improvement of this type of concrete.”
They concluded that “Due to the high impact of polymer on structures and concrete procedures, researches on these additives are still continuing.
Polymers have improved mechanical and chemical properties of concrete including increased compressive strength, flexural and tensile strength as
well as good performance in durability increase and reduction of corrosion and permeability of concrete.”

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Plastics used in constructions Applications of polymers in Some Recent Smart Applications 3

construction

฀Acrylic • Cladding panels • Particle-reinforced polymers as

฀Composites • Cables smart stress- and damage-sensing
฀Expanded Polystyrene • Pipes and gutters coatings.
฀Polycarbonate • Windows and doors • Alkoxysilane compounds for
• Shuttering coatings with mechanical strength
฀Polyethylene and adhesion force to the substrate
• Wall linings
฀Polypropylene • Smart Coatings for Corrosion
• Floor covering
฀Polyvinyl Chloride • Ceiling panels Protection
• Ethylene tetrafluoroethylene • Roof coverings • Smart Polymeric Coatings resistant
(ETFE) • Sinks, basins, baths and showers to the effects of weathering (i.e.,
• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC). • Worktops rain, UV light, etc.
• PTFE • Insulation materials
• Membranes
• Water resistent Paints
• Sealants

Polymer concretes5are a type of concrete that uses polymers to replace lime-type cements as a binder. In some cases, the polymer is
used in addition to Portland cement to form Polymer Cement Concrete (PCC) or Polymer Modified Concrete (PMC).Polymers in
concrete have been overseen by Committee of the American Concrete Institute. As per American Concrete Institute “ Polymer
concrete is a composite material in which the aggregate is bound together in a matrix with a polymer binder. The composites do not
contain a hydrated cement phase, although Portland cement can be used as an aggregate or filler. Polymer concrete composites
possess a unique combination of properties dependent on the formulation. These include rapid curing at ambient temperatures from
–18 to +40°C (0 to 104°F); high tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths; good adhesion to most surfaces; good long-term
durability with respect to cycles of freezing and thawing; low permeability to water and aggressive solutions; good chemical
resistance; and light weight.”

Modern applications of polymers in the field of Civil engineering:A research study 6 brought forth that volcanic ash abundant and
readily accessible natural resource in the Central African country of Cameroon was used to synthesize aluminosilicate geopolymers.
The formation of a mortar was done by the addition of 40 % sand to the optimized geopolymer cement for construction applications.
The compressive strengths and the thermal stability of these materials suggest their suitability for building applications and low-
grade refractories. Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) has been excellent polymeric material with UV resistance, PMMA is widely
used in window and door profiles, canopies, panels, façade design, etc. It also facilitates light transmission and provides good heat
insulation, hence a suitable choice of building green houses. PMMA is also used to build aquariums and marine centers. A recent
study7 reported Basalt fiber-reinforced polymer (BFRP) being widely used in recent years in many countries to strengthen structural
elements such as reinforced concrete (RC) beams because it is cheap, and it has stellar mechanical performance. A research8shows
strain hardening cementitious composite (SHCC) plate reinforced with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) which assures
higher durability for the strengthened elements and higher protection to the FRP component in terms of high temperatures and
vandalism; and delays, or even, prevents detachment of concrete substrate. A study 9 concluded that “ In construction industry,
polymer-based building materials have a rapid development and have beenused widely throughout 1990s. Especially having
different kinds and offering different types of designenabled them gaining popularity among architects. Polymer based building
materials, especiallyplastics, are man-made, therefore there is no limit for the characteristics and development willcontinue.” A
paper10 discussing breakthrough technological developments which are expected to revolutionize applications in civil engineering
states “ In the last decade there has been a concerted effort to migrate reinforced polymer composites (RPCs) into the construction
industry for use in primary load bearing applications. Potential advantages commonly expounded by proponents of RPC materials
include high specific strength, high specific stiffness, tailorable durability, good fatigue performance, versatile fabrication and lower
maintenance costs. As a result, reinforced polymer composites are being investigated in applications such as rehabilitation and
retrofit, alternative reinforcement for concrete and, in rare cases, entire fiber composite structures.”
A review 11states that Fiber reinforced polymers which consists of polyester or epoxy resins - and non-metallic reinforcing fibres
embedded in materials like glass, aramid or carbon fibers in contrast to traditional construction materials, they are characterized by
high strength and low self-weight and high resistance to corrosion and fatigue. Polymer composite footbridges have been built in
large numbers mainly in the USA, Europe and China. Polymers impart better workability and hence; induce greater usability of
concrete due to increase in plasticity.A study12concluded that Water Cement Ratio reduces considerably with the impregnation of
polymers.

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With introduction of polymer up to 5% reduces water up to14 -18% of matrix mass, with higher compressive strength and higher
flexural strength at 28 days. Modulus of elasticity is also increased after introduction of polymer concrete.

IV. CONCLUSION
To have affirmed confidence in the strength, performance and properties have always been imperative while selecting materials for
construction. Polymers have attracted the attention of researchers in the field of civil engineering since the past few decades, they
are relatively new compared to traditional material types but the introduction of polymeric materials can assure certain aspects of
strength, corrosion resistance, flexibility, cost effectiveness and many more attributes to building constructions. Hence it is
suggested that continuous research be pursued to unveil the hidden aspects of this field.

REFERENCES

[1] Polymer Engineering Science and Viscoelasticity, An Introduction, by Hal F. Brinson and L. Catherine Brinson Pages 55-97,
Springer Science+Business Media, LLC 2008.

[2] Ali Sadr Momtazi1, Reza KohaniKhoshkbijari, Sadaf SabaghMogharab ,European Online Journal of Natural and Social
Sciences 2015; Vol.3, No.3 Special Issue on New Trends in Architecture, Civil Engineering, and Urban Studies ISSN 1805-3602
www.european-science.com

[3] Industrial Applications for Intelligent Polymers and Coatings Editors Majid Hosseini, PhD and Abdel Salam HamdyMakhlouf
ISBN 978-3-319-26891-0 ISBN 978-3-319-26893-4 (eBook)Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2016
[4] Alfred Kofi GAND*, Tak-Ming CHAN, James Toby MOTTRAM , Front. Struct. Civ. Eng. 2013, 7(3): 227–244

[5] Plastics in the construction industry from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[6] Ceramics International Volume 37, Issue 8, December 2011, Pages 3011-3018

[7] Advances in Civil Engineering Asaad, M. H. Kadhim, Hesham A. Numan,and Mustafa Özakça ,Volume 2019

[8]Esmaeeli, Esmaeel& Barros, Joaquim. (2015). Flexural Strengthening of RC Beams using Hybrid Composite Plate (HCP):
Experimental and Analytical Study. Composites Part B: Engineering. 79. 10.1016/j.compositesb.2015.05.003.

[9] 11DBMC International Conference on Durability of Building Materials and Components Istanbul, Turkey 11-14 May 2008

[10] F. Humphreys, Matthew. (2019). Researchgate, The use of polymer composites in construction.

[11] The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Dec 22 2005, Issue Number: 555.

[12] International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) e-ISSN: 2395-0056 Volume: 05 Issue: 12 , Dec 2018
ISSN: 2395-0072.

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