Properties of concrete incorporating rubber tyre particles

Abstract

The properties of concrete incorporating scrap rubber tyre particles were investigated. Properties studied included the compressive, flexural properties as well as the vibration isolation capability. The rubber particles were either plain particles or pre-processed using one of two coating methods (coating with cement paste and coating with METHOCEL cellulose ethers solution) before mixing in concrete. The concrete mixtures incorporating rubber tyre particles exhibited lower compressive and flexural strength than normal concrete. However, the mixtures demonstrated a ductile failure, and had the capability of absorbing a large amount of energy under compressive and flexural loads. Moreover, they demonstrated excellent vibration isolation capability. These results indicate that the mixtures might be suitable for applications such as driveways, sidewalks or road constructions where strength is not a high priority but greater toughness is preferred, and where vibration reduction is required (e.g. base isolated structures and machine foundations).