Partial replacement of conventional fine aggregate with crumb tyre rubber in structural concrete-effect of particle size on compressive strength and time dependent deformations

This paper presents results of a study into the effects of truck tyre crumb rubber particle size, as fine aggregate, on the compressive strength, shrinkage and creep behaviour of structural rubberised concrete. The study is motivated by a growing interest in the use of concrete with waste tyre rubber particles, rubberised concrete, for structural applications. Three tyre crumb rubber sizes (2.36, 1.18 and 0.425 mm) were used to replace 10% by volume of fine mineral aggregates to produce concrete with a target strength of 30 MPa. The concrete was cast water-cured for 28 days and tested for shrinkage and creep for 180 days. Half of the shrinkage and creep samples were sealed with a bitumen seal to prevent drying during testing. Results show a general a decrease in compressive strength with reduction in crumb rubber size. The strength decreases by 22%, 23% and 27% for the 2.36, 1.18 and 0.425 mm mix respectively. Preliminary results show a general increase in both shrinkage and creep deformations in both drying and sealed conditions. The observed increases were checked against the limits provided in design codes to assess the applicability of the material for structural purposes.