Improved mechanical and durability properties of marine structural components using rubber wrapping techniques

Abstract

Marine structures are being exposed to aggressive environmental conditions, which leads to deterioration due to corrosion and abrasion. A study investigates the effectiveness of rubber wrapping as a protective measure to enhance the durability and mechanical performance of marine-based structures. Some of the researchers have implemented a rubber coating and alternative materials into the marine concrete, but this study implemented an innovative approach of a 6 mm thick rubber sheet sealant layer material applied to the concrete surface of the materials, and an experimental path test has been conducted to evaluate its effect. The test results show that the mechanical performance of wrapping techniques increases by 17.78%, 25%, and 33% in compressive, splitting, and flexural tests. Durability tests show that longer curing increases density, leading to sharper edge damage, which is reduced by rubber wrapping. RCPT results confirm improved resistance to chloride ion penetration due to the sealing effect of rubber layers. USPV values are lower in wrapped concrete, as rubber hinders wave transmission, making it less suitable for evaluating internal quality.