Effect of Particle Sizes on Mechanical Properties of Concrete Containing Crumb Rubber

Abstract

This paper investigates the mechanical properties of concrete containing different particle sizes of crumb rubber. This research have been conducted on 10% replacement of fine aggregates by three different particle sizes of crumb rubber which are 1 mm crumb rubber, 0.4–1 mm fine dust crumb rubber, and 0.2–0.6 mm powder crumb rubber. Laboratory tests include slump test, compressive test, flexural test, bulk density test, water absorption test, porosity test, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) test were conducted on the concrete mixes. All concrete specimens were tested at the age of 7, 14, 28, and 56 days. The results from laboratory testing on concrete specimens were analyzed. It was found that in the inclusion of crumb rubber into concrete, it will reduce the strength of concrete. The usage of greater particle sizes of crumb rubber which is 1 mm crumb rubber gives better strength of concrete compared to the usage of smaller particle sizes of crumb rubber which is 0.2–0.6 mm powder crumb rubber. Therefore, the rubberized concrete can absorb the impact energy and suitable usage in roads and highways construction such as road divider, road pavement, and others because it can absorb impact from vehicles load, disaster and others.

Keywords: Crumb rubber, Workability, Concrete strength