Abstract:
In recent years, structural and materials engineers have focused their attention to
develop feasible, constructible and cost effective retrofitting techniques to enhance the structural
capacity and to minimize the damage due to impulsive loadings such as blast and impact. In this
aspect, elastomeric polymers offer a unique proposition as retrofitting material for civil
infrastructures, due to their attractive characteristics and morphology such as high elongation
and energy absorption capacity. However, comprehensive understanding and proper evaluation
of their characteristics and behavior are vital prior to developing a feasible retrofitting technique
based on these materials. This paper discusses on the findings of experimental investigations
undertaken to evaluate the mechanical properties under uniaxial tensile loading of selected types
of palm-oil based polyurethane which were prepared by varying the chain extender
(Polyethylene glycol, PEG), for it to be utilized as a retrofitting coating material on reinforced
concrete structures, to enhance their resistance to blast effects. It was found that the properties
of polyurethane elastomer are within the desired range and there is a higher possibility to apply
the material as a sustainable and feasible retrofitting application for reinforced concrete
structures under impulsive loadings.
