Experimental Investigation on the Mechanical Behavior of Rubberized Concrete Incorporating Waste Tire Rubber

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Civil Engineering, The Higher Institute of Engineering and Technology Fifth Settlement, Egypt

2 Assistant Professor at Department of Construction and Building Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, Cairo, Egypt

3 Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt

Abstract

This study investigates the fresh and hardened properties of rubberized concrete (RuC) incorporating waste tire crumb rubber (C-R) as a partial replacement for fine aggregates. The experimental program evaluated C-R substitution levels ranging from 5% to 30%, considering both untreated and chemically treated rubber subjected to different treatment cycles. Workability was assessed through slump tests, while compressive and tensile strengths were measured in accordance with ASTM standards. The results showed that increasing C-R content consistently reduced workability, compressive strength, and tensile strength, with the effects becoming more severe beyond 15% replacement. However, low replacement levels (5–10%) maintained acceptable performance, indicating a feasible threshold for practical applications. Chemical treatment of C-R improved the interfacial bonding with the cement paste, leading to better retention of both compressive and tensile strength compared to untreated mixes, particularly at replacement levels up to 20%. The findings confirm that while excessive rubber incorporation compromises strength, controlled use of treated C-R can achieve a balance between mechanical performance and sustainability, offering an effective pathway for recycling waste tires in concrete production.

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International Journal of Engineering & Artificial Intelligence Art Design
Volume 1, Issue 2
December 2025
Pages 17-30

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