Mechanical, Fracture, and Microstructural Investigations of Rubber Concrete

• Published in: Journal of materials in civil engineering Vol. 20; no. 10; pp. 640 - 649
• Main Authors: Reda Taha, M. M, El-Dieb, A. S, Abd El-Wahab, M. A, Abdel-Hameed, M. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Reston, VA American Society of Civil Engineers 01-10-2008
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Concretes. Mortars. Grouts; Exact sciences and technology; General (composition, classification, performance, standards, patents, etc.); Materials; Recovery materials; TECHNICAL PAPERS; Concrete aggregates; Fracture mechanics; Property composition relationship; Cracking; Concrete mix design; Mechanical properties; Experimental study; Fracture toughness; Tyre; Tires; Recycled material; Rubber; Microstructure; Aggregate(materials)
• ISSN: 0899-1561; 1943-5533
• DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)0899-1561(2008)20:10(640)

Waste tire rubber constitute a serious worldwide problem due to the lack of landfills and the health hazards associated with these landfills. In addition to the environmental motivation for providing a means of recycling large quantities of waste tire rubbers, the use of tire rubber particles provides a new type of concrete that has unique mechanical and fracture criteria. This paper presents the results of recent experimental investigations on rubber concrete. Chipped and crumbed tire rubber particles were used to replace coarse and fine aggregate with different volume replacement levels. The mechanical and fracture properties of rubber concrete were examined. Quasi-brittle fracture mechanics models are used to determine the effect of incorporating tire rubber particles on the fracture performance of rubber concrete. Finally, some microstructural features of rubber concrete are also reported. It is concluded that the choice of the optimal replacement ratio of the tire rubber particles can yield concretes with desirable strength and fracture toughness criteria for different applications.