New trends in concrete-polymers composite materials and systems

Polymers, representing 1 % only of building materials used in construction industry, have a major impact on performance of materials and systems due to their synergic action with cementitious materials. Appropriate combination of polymers and classical construction materials provides opportunities for innovative applications and systems, for improved performance and for increased durability. Particularly in restoration and retrofitting, polymer based materials highly contribute to sustainable construction activity. This paper highlights the innovations, new approaches and durability assessments, presented at the International Symposium on Polymers in Concrete in Guimarães, Portugal, 2006. Emphasis is put on microstructure formation, modification by means of hardener free epoxy resin by polymers in solution or by recycled particles, bond assessment and bond improvement, durability of bond under moisture and temperature effects, epoxy bonded external reinforcement for strengthening and concrete protection by means of coatings