Effect of sand-to-binder and water-to-binder ratios on the mechanical properties of magnesium phosphate cement mortar for concrete pavement repair
Keywords:
Magnesium Phosphate Cement, Sand-to-Binder Ratio, Water-to-Binder Ratio, Abrasion Resistance, Compressive StrengthAbstract
This research aims to investigate the effects of the sand-to-binder ratio (S/B) and water-to-binder ratio (W/B) on the mechanical properties and abrasion resistance of magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) mortar for concrete pavement repair applications. The mix designs were based on a fixed molar ratio of MgO to KH2PO4 (M/P) of 2.25, with borax added at 7.5% by weight of MgO as a retarder. The studied variables included S/B ratios of 1.0, 1.2, and 1.4, and W/B ratios of 0.35, 0.375, and 0.40. Mortar properties were evaluated through compressive strength tests at 1, 3, and 28 days, and an abrasion resistance test. The results consistently indicated that a W/B ratio of 0.35 provided the best overall mechanical and durability performance, yielding the highest compressive strength (29 MPa) and the lowest abrasion loss (0.12%). Conversely, the effect of the S/B ratio was property dependent. An S/B ratio of 1.4 achieved the highest compressive strength (26 MPa), whereas an S/B ratio of 1.0 provided the best abrasion resistance (0.14% weight loss). This study highlights the critical need to tailor MPC mix proportions to the specific performance requirements of different repair applications, providing essential data for engineering design.
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