Recent Trends in Research and Development Activities of Polymer-Modified Paste, Mortar and Concrete in Japan

The present paper reviews the recent trends in research and development activities of polymer-modified paste, mortar and concrete in the Japanese construction industry. In Japan, the active research and development of the polymer-modified paste, mortar and concrete have been carried out for the past about 50 years, and they are nowadays used as dominant construction materials in various applications because of their high performance, multifunctionality and sustainability compared to conventional cement paste, mortar and concrete. The recent research and development activities of the polymer-modified paste, mortar and concrete are concerned with repair, strengthening or retrofitting systems for deteriorated reinforced concrete structures, liquid-applied membrane waterproofing systems, high-grade redispersible polymer powders, intelligent repair materials, and reaction to fire as repair materials in building construction. Standardization work for the polymer-modified paste, mortar and concrete has been in progress in recent years, and useful national and institutional standards have been published till now.