Effects of long shredded rubber particles recycled from waste tires on mechanical properties of concrete

Abstract

The goal of this research is to study the mechanical properties of recycled rubber particles extracted from scrap tires in concrete to introduce a sustainable waste management system and subsequently to reduce the use of non-renewable resources in concrete. In this paper, fine aggregates of concrete are partially replaced (up to 50% by volume of fine aggregate) with recycled long shredded rubber particles mainly smaller than sieve #4 in size. Concrete cylinders with different proportion of rubber are prepared and tested under compression. Also, specimens without rubber are prepared and tested as control specimens. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, and stress-strain curves of the specimens are analyzed to characterize the behaviour of concrete with recycled long shredded rubber particles. The results showed that the rubber weakened the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete. Empirical equations are also proposed to account the effect of rubber content on the mechanical properties.

Keywords:

• Recycled tire
• crumb rubber
• long shredded rubber
• concrete
• strength
• modulus

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful for all the supports of all the lab technicians and Koosha Khorramian (PhD student) in conducting this study at Dalhousie University, Canada. The authors also appreciate the Tire Recycling Atlantic Canada Corporation (TRACC) for providing the rubber materials.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).