Mechanical and dynamical properties of rubber concrete

Abstract

This paper reports on an experimental study to explore the effect of using recycled rubber powder as an alternate fine aggregate in concrete mixes. Natural sand was partially replaced by 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% in concrete mixes. Physical properties like density, compressive strength, concrete fresh properties, split-tension, and impact load capacity are studied. Results showed a decrease in the compressive strength of concrete cylinders containing rubber. The dynamic performance of rubber concrete is important because of its highly resilient nature; rubber particles included in concrete have a positive effect on the dynamic performance. Conclusions derived from this research implicate potential applications where rubberized concrete can be used efficiently. Even tough rubberized concrete mixture generally has a reduced compressive strength that may limit its use in certain structural applications, it possesses a number of desirable properties, such as lower density, higher toughness, and higher impact resistance compared to conventional concrete. .