Abstract
The behavior of epoxy mortar was studied under various curing conditions, temperature and strain rate. The effect of aggregate size and distribution on the mechanical properties of epoxy mortar was also studied. Epoxy mortar with a uniform fine sand was cured at various temperatures to determine the optimum curing condition. The strain rate was varied between 0.01 to 6 percent strain per minute and the testing temperature between 22Β°C and 80Β°C. The strength, modulus, and compressive strainβstrain relationship of polymer mortar are influenced by the curing method, testing temperature, and strain rate to varying degrees. The influence of test variables on the mechanical properties of epoxy mortar are quantified. Compared to the uniformly graded fine aggregate fillers the gapβgraded aggregates produced polymer mortar with better mechanical properties. The compressive modulus and splitting tensile strength of epoxy mortar are related to their compressive strength. A new nonlinear constitutive model is proposed to predict the complete compressive stressβstrain behavior of epoxy mortar. The constitutive relationship parameters are also related to the testing temperature and logarithmic strain rate.