Flexural Behavior of Polymer Mortar Permanent Forms Using Methyl Methacrylate Solution of Waste Expanded Polystyrene

This experimental study examines the applicability of polymer mortar permanent forms using a methyl methacrylate (MMA) solution of waste expanded polystyrene (EPS) to develop effective recycling processes for the EPS, referring to the flexural behavior of a polymer-impregnated mortar permanent form with almost the same performance as commercial products. An MMA solution of EPS is prepared by dissolving EPS in MMA, and unreinforced and steel fiber-reinforced polymer mortars are mixed using the EPS-MMA-based solution as a liquid resin or binder. Polymer mortar permanent forms (PMPFs) using the EPS-MMA-based polymer mortars without and with steel fiber and crimped wire cloth reinforcements and steel fiber-reinforced polymer-impregnated mortar permanent form (PIMPF) are prepared on trial, and tested for flexural behavior under four-point (third-point) loading. The EPS-MMAbased PMPFs are more ductile than the PIMPF, and have a high load-bearing capacity. Consequently, they can replace PIMPF in practical applications.