Abstract

This research investigates how the rubber particle sizes influence the ductility and energy absorption of structural members made of RC. For this analysis, the different types of waste tire rubbers (with a grains size of 1–2 mm, 3–5 mm, and 6–10 mm) were partially replaced for fine aggre-gates. The compressive strengths, load-deflection behaviors, ductility ratios and energy dissipation properties are discussed by means of experimental mix design analysis and finite element analysis. The results of this analysis clearly demonstrate the strength-ductility trade-off. Moreover, concrete containing finer rubber particles had higher strength due to better bond with the cement paste. The study clearly shows that the rubbers incorporated concretes have significant potential for use in conditions requiring higher hardness. n addition, the incorporation of recycled rubber particles contributes to improved deformability and impact resistance of reinforced concrete members. The presence of rubber particles helps in delaying crack propagation and enhances the overall energy absorption capacity under loading conditions. Although the compressive strength tends to decrease slightly with the increase in rubber particle size, the ductility and flexibility of the concrete members improve significantly. This behavior is particularly beneficial in structures subjected to dynamic loading, vibrations, and seismic effects where energy dissipation is important. The study also highlights that an optimum replacement level of rubber particles can provide a balanced performance between strength and ductility. Therefore, the utilization of waste tire rubber in concrete not only supports sustainable waste management but also contributes to the development of durable and resilient structural materials for modern construction practices.

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1. Mindess, Developments in the Formulation and Reinforcement of Concrete, Woodhead Publishing, 2019.
2. N. Eldin, A.B. Senouci, Observations on rubberized concrete behavior, Cem., Concr. Aggreg. 15 (1) (1993).
3. M. Pham, N. Renaud, V.L. Pang, F. Shi, H. Hao, W. Chen, Effect of rubber aggregate size on static and dynamic compressive properties of rubberized concrete, Struct. Concr. 23 (4) (2022) 2510–2522.
4. R. Khaloo, M. Dehestani, P. Rahmatabadi, Mechanical properties of concrete containing a high volume of tire–rubber particles, Waste Manag. 28 (12) (2008) 2472–2482.
5. Ahmad, Z. Zhou, A. Majdi, M. Alqurashi, A.F. Deifalla, Overview of concrete performance made with waste rubber tires: a step toward sustainable concrete, Materials 15 (16) (2022) 5518.
6. B. Najim, M.R. Hall, Mechanical and dynamic properties of self-compacting crumb rubber modified concrete, Constr. Build. Mater. 27 (1) (2012) 521–530.
7. Ozbay, M. Lachemi, U.K. Sevim, Compressive strength, abrasion resistance and energy absorption capacity of rubberized concretes with and without slag, Mater. Struct. 44 (2011) 1297–1307.
8. S. Thomas, R.C. Gupta, Properties of high strength concrete containing scrap tire rubber, J. Clean. Prod. 113 (2016) 86–92.
9. M. Reda Taha, A.S. El-Dieb, M.A. Abd Al-Wahab, M.E. Abdel-Hameed, Mechanical, fracture, and microstructural investigations of rubber concrete, J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 20 (10) (2008) 640–649.
10. Gupta, S. Chaudhary, R.K. Sharma, Assessment of mechanical and durability properties of concrete containing waste rubber tire as fine aggregate, Constr. Build. Mater. 73 (2014) 562–574.
11. Roychand, R.J. Gravina, Y. Zhuge, Z. Ma, J.E. Mills, O. Youssf, Practical rubber pre-treatment approch for concrete use—an experimental study, J. Compos. Sci. 5 (6) (2021) 143.
12. Raffoul, R. Garcia, K. Pilakoutas, M. Guadagnini, N.F. Medina, Optimisation of rubberised concrete with high rubber content: an experimental investigation, Constr. Build. Mater. 124 (2016) 391–404.
13. Turki, I.Z. Estelle Bretagne, M. Qu´eneudec, Influence of filler addition on mechanical behavior of cementitious mortar-rubber aggregates: experimental study and modeling. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 24 (11) (2012) 1350–1358.
14. Xie, C. Fang, Z. Lu, Z. Li, L. Li, Effects of the addition of silica fume and rubber particles on the compressive behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete with steel fibres, J. Clean. Prod. 197 (2018) 656–667.
15. Siddika, M.A. Al Mamun, R. Alyousef, Y.H. Mugahed Amran, F. Aslani, H. Alabduljabbar, Properties and utilizations of waste tire rubber in concrete: a review, Constr. Build. Mater. 224 (2019) 711–731.
16. Buˇ si´ c, M. Benˇ si´ c, I. Miliˇ cevi´ c, K. Strukar, Prediction models for the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete with recycled rubber and silica fume, Materials 13 (8) (2020) 1821.
17. Chen, L. Li, Z. Xiong, Investigation on the interfacial behaviour between the rubber-cement matrix of the rubberized concrete, J. Clean. Prod. 209 (2019) 1354–1364.
18. Bedewi, N., Steel fiber reinforced concrete made with fibers extracted from used tyres. Energy, Master’s thesis in Civil Engineering, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2009.
19. A. Aiello, F. Leuzzi, G. Centonze, A. Maffezzoli, Use of steel fibres recovered from waste tyres as reinforcement in concrete: pull-out behaviour, compressive and flexural strength, Waste Manag. 29 (6) (2009) 1960–1970.
20. S¸. Yazıcı, G. ˙ Inan, V. Tabak, Effect of aspect ratio and volume fraction of steel fiber on the mechanical properties of SFRC, Constr. Build. Mater. 21 (6) (2007) 1250–1253.
21. D. Atis¸, O. Karahan, Properties of steel fiber reinforced fly ash concrete, Constr. Build. Mater. 23 (1) (2009) 392–399.
22. S.M. Samarakoon, P. Ruben, J.W. Pedersen, L. Evangelista, Mechanical performance of concrete made of steel fibers from tire waste, Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 11 (2019) e00259.

Abstract

This research investigates how the rubber particle sizes influence the ductility and energy absorption of structural members made of RC. For this analysis, the different types of waste tire rubbers (with a grains size of 1–2 mm, 3–5 mm, and 6–10 mm) were partially replaced for fine aggre-gates. The compressive strengths, load-deflection behaviors, ductility ratios and energy dissipation properties are discussed by means of experimental mix design analysis and finite element analysis. The results of this analysis clearly demonstrate the strength-ductility trade-off. Moreover, concrete containing finer rubber particles had higher strength due to better bond with the cement paste. The study clearly shows that the rubbers incorporated concretes have significant potential for use in conditions requiring higher hardness. n addition, the incorporation of recycled rubber particles contributes to improved deformability and impact resistance of reinforced concrete members. The presence of rubber particles helps in delaying crack propagation and enhances the overall energy absorption capacity under loading conditions. Although the compressive strength tends to decrease slightly with the increase in rubber particle size, the ductility and flexibility of the concrete members improve significantly. This behavior is particularly beneficial in structures subjected to dynamic loading, vibrations, and seismic effects where energy dissipation is important. The study also highlights that an optimum replacement level of rubber particles can provide a balanced performance between strength and ductility. Therefore, the utilization of waste tire rubber in concrete not only supports sustainable waste management but also contributes to the development of durable and resilient structural materials for modern construction practices.

🔒 This is a subscription article

Full text is available to subscribers and institutional members. Please choose an option below to access it.

1. Mindess, Developments in the Formulation and Reinforcement of Concrete, Woodhead Publishing, 2019.
2. N. Eldin, A.B. Senouci, Observations on rubberized concrete behavior, Cem., Concr. Aggreg. 15 (1) (1993).
3. M. Pham, N. Renaud, V.L. Pang, F. Shi, H. Hao, W. Chen, Effect of rubber aggregate size on static and dynamic compressive properties of rubberized concrete, Struct. Concr. 23 (4) (2022) 2510–2522.
4. R. Khaloo, M. Dehestani, P. Rahmatabadi, Mechanical properties of concrete containing a high volume of tire–rubber particles, Waste Manag. 28 (12) (2008) 2472–2482.
5. Ahmad, Z. Zhou, A. Majdi, M. Alqurashi, A.F. Deifalla, Overview of concrete performance made with waste rubber tires: a step toward sustainable concrete, Materials 15 (16) (2022) 5518.
6. B. Najim, M.R. Hall, Mechanical and dynamic properties of self-compacting crumb rubber modified concrete, Constr. Build. Mater. 27 (1) (2012) 521–530.
7. Ozbay, M. Lachemi, U.K. Sevim, Compressive strength, abrasion resistance and energy absorption capacity of rubberized concretes with and without slag, Mater. Struct. 44 (2011) 1297–1307.
8. S. Thomas, R.C. Gupta, Properties of high strength concrete containing scrap tire rubber, J. Clean. Prod. 113 (2016) 86–92.
9. M. Reda Taha, A.S. El-Dieb, M.A. Abd Al-Wahab, M.E. Abdel-Hameed, Mechanical, fracture, and microstructural investigations of rubber concrete, J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 20 (10) (2008) 640–649.
10. Gupta, S. Chaudhary, R.K. Sharma, Assessment of mechanical and durability properties of concrete containing waste rubber tire as fine aggregate, Constr. Build. Mater. 73 (2014) 562–574.
11. Roychand, R.J. Gravina, Y. Zhuge, Z. Ma, J.E. Mills, O. Youssf, Practical rubber pre-treatment approch for concrete use—an experimental study, J. Compos. Sci. 5 (6) (2021) 143.
12. Raffoul, R. Garcia, K. Pilakoutas, M. Guadagnini, N.F. Medina, Optimisation of rubberised concrete with high rubber content: an experimental investigation, Constr. Build. Mater. 124 (2016) 391–404.
13. Turki, I.Z. Estelle Bretagne, M. Qu´eneudec, Influence of filler addition on mechanical behavior of cementitious mortar-rubber aggregates: experimental study and modeling. J. Mater. Civ. Eng. 24 (11) (2012) 1350–1358.
14. Xie, C. Fang, Z. Lu, Z. Li, L. Li, Effects of the addition of silica fume and rubber particles on the compressive behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete with steel fibres, J. Clean. Prod. 197 (2018) 656–667.
15. Siddika, M.A. Al Mamun, R. Alyousef, Y.H. Mugahed Amran, F. Aslani, H. Alabduljabbar, Properties and utilizations of waste tire rubber in concrete: a review, Constr. Build. Mater. 224 (2019) 711–731.
16. Buˇ si´ c, M. Benˇ si´ c, I. Miliˇ cevi´ c, K. Strukar, Prediction models for the mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete with recycled rubber and silica fume, Materials 13 (8) (2020) 1821.
17. Chen, L. Li, Z. Xiong, Investigation on the interfacial behaviour between the rubber-cement matrix of the rubberized concrete, J. Clean. Prod. 209 (2019) 1354–1364.
18. Bedewi, N., Steel fiber reinforced concrete made with fibers extracted from used tyres. Energy, Master’s thesis in Civil Engineering, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2009.
19. A. Aiello, F. Leuzzi, G. Centonze, A. Maffezzoli, Use of steel fibres recovered from waste tyres as reinforcement in concrete: pull-out behaviour, compressive and flexural strength, Waste Manag. 29 (6) (2009) 1960–1970.
20. S¸. Yazıcı, G. ˙ Inan, V. Tabak, Effect of aspect ratio and volume fraction of steel fiber on the mechanical properties of SFRC, Constr. Build. Mater. 21 (6) (2007) 1250–1253.
21. D. Atis¸, O. Karahan, Properties of steel fiber reinforced fly ash concrete, Constr. Build. Mater. 23 (1) (2009) 392–399.
22. S.M. Samarakoon, P. Ruben, J.W. Pedersen, L. Evangelista, Mechanical performance of concrete made of steel fibers from tire waste, Case Stud. Constr. Mater. 11 (2019) e00259.