Sci.Int.(Lahore),26(3),1247-1251,2014 ISSN 1013-5316; CODEN: SINTE 8 July-August, 2014 1247 USE OF PREPACKAGED POLYMER-MODIFIED MORTARS AS AN EFFECTIVE EARTH QUAKE RESISTANT MATERIAL M.U.K Afridi 1 , Y. Ohama 2 and S. Mubin 3 Civil Engineering and Architecture Department, Superior University, 17-Km Raiwind Road, Lahore, Pakistan Nihon University, 14-10,402, Hiyoshi 2-Chome, Khoku-ku, Yokohama 223, Japan Civil Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan Corresponding email address: sajjadmubin@yahoo.com , Phone No. +92 322 8880003 ABSTRACT: Prepackaged Polymer – Modified Mortars (PPMM), using redispersible polymer powders, and polymer – modified mortars (PMM), using liquid polymer latexes or emulsions, are very effective repairs and rehabilitation materials for earthquake damaged structures and may be used for such remedial works with confidence and satisfaction. Such behavior of PPMM and PMM is due to their improved structures. In such PPMM and PMM the mortar constituents are compactly joined with each other. This is due to the presence of continuous, inter-weaving polymer films in PPMM and PMM. This forms a monolithic structure in which the inorganic Portland cement binder or matrix is improved or reinforced by an additional polymeric binder or co-matrix. This matrix has superior mechanical and durability characteristics as proved by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies in conjunction with other experimental data. Such PPMM was used to repair and rehabilitate a fire – damaged building in Karachi Pakistan in the year 2000. Soon after the repairs, Karachi was jolted with a high magnitude earthquake jolts up to 6.5 or more on Richter scale. Such PPMM proved highly successful in resisting these high magnitude earthquake jolts. This paper focuses on scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies, which are important in explaining the structural-property relationships of the concerned materials. Such SEM studies should be used in the development of hi-tech construction materials along with other necessary experimental procedures. The paper also reviews the details of the PPMM, its application and performance. Key Words: Prepackaged Polymer – Modified Mortars (PPMM); Polymer – Modified Mortars (PMM); Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM); Unmodified Mortar (UMM); Earth Quake Resistant Materials. 1. INTRODUCTION Polymer-Modified Concrete (PMC) is developed by mixing a polymer material to Portland-cement concrete with the interest of enhancing the concrete durability and bond strength. PMC, also known as Polymer Portland-Cement Concrete (PPCC) or latex-modified concrete (LMC), was originally developed during the 1950 and 1960s. The material quickly found its way to awaiting industry to make use of its unique properties and became a common material in bridge deck slab overlays, industrial floors and as repair material with enhanced tensile and bond strength. Extensive research and numerous publications on the behavior of PMC were produced from the late 1970s up to the early 1990s. These publications constitute most of our current knowledge on PMC and polymer-modified mortars (PMM). While the development of PMC has significantly slowed down in the last decade, this document is designed to provide a major source of collective information for the public about PMC. The intent is to provide insight on most up-to-date standards, current practices, and the state of the art on research developments on PMC. The International Congress on Polymers in Concrete (ICPIC) served during the last four decades as the international forum for research and development (R&D) on all types of polymer concrete including PMC. Proceedings of the ICPIC reflected the state of R&D on PMC and the issues of current interest for both academia and industry. The first ICPIC was held in London (UK) in 1975, and the most recent ICPIC was held in Chuncheon (South Korea) in 2007. For the last three decades, the ICPIC forum has served to connect interested specialists in PMC while providing insight on new technologies and future development trends. [1]. In the work on Cement – sand mixture with no additions or modification in motor by M.A. Islam, M.M. Rahman and M. Ahmed describe the importance of Prepackaged Polymer Modified Mortars in his work. [2]. Ordinary or Un-modified Mortar (UMM): Afridi had also extensively studied polymer-modified cement systems (PMCS) including various PPMM and PMM [3]. In another study conducted by Afridi, Yol Komskiy and etal formed the basis for the formation of various industrial PMCS and PPMM, which got international recognition. PMCS, PPMM and PMM are high – tech construction materials which are popularly used as repair, rehabilitation and conservation materials. Usage of PMCS, PPMM and PMM has already proved successful in resisting seismic activity [4]. Prepackaged Polymer-Modified Mortars (PPMM): PPMM are those materials in which inorganic Portland- cement binder or matrix is improved or modified by the inclusion of an organic, film-forming co-binder or co-matrix due to the addition of polymers and other related ingredients.