Reliability of Flexural Behaviour of Reinforced Concrete Waffle Slab Containing Chemical Polymer Additive

Abstract

This study examined the flexural strength of reinforced concrete waffle slabs incorporating Furan chemical polymer at varying replacement levels of 0%, 1%, 1.5%, and 2.0%. A total of 48 concrete cubes (150x150mm) and slabs (500x350mm) were tested through compressive, slump, and flexural strength evaluations.

Results showed that compressive strength increased with Furan addition up to 1.0%, ranging from 24.9 N/mm² to 40.6 N/mm², but dropped significantly at 2.0% replacement (14.1–23.0 N/mm²). Flexural tests indicated that load capacity improved up to 1.5% Furan but declined beyond that level, with increased deflection observed at 2.0% replacement.

The optimal performance occurred between 1.0% and 1.5% Furan, where slabs exhibited higher load-bearing capacity and reduced deflection compared to the control mix. It was concluded that moderate Furan incorporation enhances concrete performance, while excessive use weakens structural behavior. Further research is suggested to explore Furan polymers derived from natural residues such as corn cobs, rice husks, and Vernonia amygdalina extracts.