Assessing the Treated Concrete-Polymer-Modified Repair Mortars Interface via Ultrasonic, Thermal, and Permeability Analysis

Nurdeen Altwair; Muatamed Ben Taher; Mohammed Al-Noairi; Abduraoif Abuthina; Abdulmottaleb Bin Salim; Ali Abuzgaia; Mustafa Al-Tayeb

doi:10.46604/aiti.2026.16289

Authors

Nurdeen Altwair Department of Civil Engineering, El-Mergib University, Al-Khums, Libya
Muatamed Ben Taher Civil Engineering Department, College of Technical Sciences, Misrata, Libya
Mohammed Al-Noairi Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Abduraoif Abuthina Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Azzaytuna University, Tarhunah, Libya
Abdulmottaleb Bin Salim Civil Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Misurata University, Misurata, Libya
Ali Abuzgaia Department of Civil Engineering, El-Mergib University, Al-Khums, Libya
Mustafa Al-Tayeb Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Hasan Kalyoncu University, Şahinbey, Gaziantep, Türkiye

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46604/aiti.2026.16289

Keywords:

polymer-modified mortar, surface roughness, ultrasonic pulse velocity, thermal expansion, permeability

Abstract

This study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of concrete repair interfaces, extending beyond traditional mechanical strength tests to assess key durability-related aspects. The influence of substrate surface preparation and polymer modification on bond continuity, thermal compatibility, and permeability is investigated. The methodology involves creating composite specimens with as-cast, wire-brushed, or sandblasted surfaces, and repairing them using both plain and polymer-modified mortars. The resulting interfaces are characterized using ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and water permeability analysis. The results demonstrate that sandblasting with polymer modification yields superior performance. This approach leads to a 12.99% increase in UPV, achieving an “Excellent” bond classification. It also produces a 27.06% reduction in CTE at 80°C and a 76.1% decrease in the water permeability coefficient. The findings confirm that aggressive surface preparation enhances mechanical interlock, while polymer modification improves adhesion. Consequently, this combined approach is essential for durable, high-performance repairs.

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