Tribological, Mechanical and Physical Properties of Concrete with Rubber Particles

Abstract

Rubber particles in the form of crumb and shredded rubber have been considered for use in concrete as artificial aggregate. Several investigations have been conducted by previous researchers but most have not conducted comparative studies between shredded and crumb rubber and hence the effects that each type of rubber has on concrete have been investigated in this research. The results of this research show that the use of shredded and crumb rubber as fine aggregate replacement in traditional concrete reduces compressive and flexural strength of concrete and the propensity for water absorption. While the crumb rubber did not increase the impact resistance of concrete, the shredded rubber significantly delays crack initiation and failure from impact forces. Resistance to wear was increased, especially with the crumb rubber.