Optimal mix and freeze-thaw durability of polysulfide polymer concrete

•Polysulfide polymer concrete mix design and freeze–thaw durability were examined.•The optimal mix design was determined from two-stage binder tests and mixing tests.•Specimen strengths for the optimal mix were compared with design code requirements.•Strength and modulus losses after accelerated freeze–thaw cycling were measured. A study was conducted to determine the optimal mix design for polysulfide polymer concrete (PPC). Two-stage binder tests and polymer concrete mixing tests were carried out for this purpose. The optimal mixing ratio was determined from the test results. In addition, the strength and freeze–thaw resistance of specimens produced using the optimal mixing ratio were evaluated. The results of the strength tests showed that the specimens satisfied the strength requirements of the relevant design codes. Repeated freezing and thawing significantly decreased the mechanical strength of the specimens but had an insignificant effect on the specimens’ relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME). It was found that more than 300 freeze–thaw cycles could cause a problem for PPC in terms of its strength.