Abstract
During film formation of polymer-cement waterproofing membrane, hydration of cement and hardening of polymer simultaneously occur. The key of the process is consumption of water by hydration and evaporation from the surface of a membrane. This study is focused on the influence of evaporation rate in dependence on curing conditions given to structures and mechanical properties of polymer-cement waterproofing membrane. Three polymer-cement membrane mixes were prepared with different ratios of cement, polymer and water, and were cured at 20°C with levels of relative humidity 25%, 60% and 98%. These materials were investigated through EPMA observation and by performing tensile strength tests. The results indicate that even the specimens of the same mix have diverse structures and mechanical properties. Furthermore, a simulation model adopted water reduction by hydration and evaporation was developed. The results of simulation were in good agreement with experimental observations.
