Phenolic-Resin-Impregnated Ryukyu Limestone Aggregates: Innovative Approach to Improving Concrete Performance

Abstract

Ryukyu limestone, which is distributed widely in the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, may be unsuitable for use as coarse aggregates for concrete because of its high water absorption rate and low strength. This study experimentally investigated whether it is possible to reduce the water absorption rate of crushed Ryukyu limestone aggregates (CRLAs) by impregnating them with phenol resin, and investigated the mechanical characteristic of concrete using the CRLAs impregnated with phenolic resin as coarse aggregates. Repeating the impregnation with phenolic resin twice can reduce the water absorption rate of CRLAs to 3.0% or less. Furthermore, the compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of concrete utilizing the impregnated CRLAs as coarse aggregates can be similar to the corresponding strengths of concrete using ordinary crushed limestone aggregates.