Compressive strength study performed on M35 grade concrete with crumb rubber used as partial replacement of sand

Abstract

The disposal of waste tyre is emerging as a major problem for all countries in the world. Waste tyre can neither be dumped nor burnt. Dumping in landfill is not possible as tyre is not an easily biodegradable material. Also burning of such waste releases toxic gases such as carbon monoxide (CO), sulfur oxide(SO2 ), oxides of nitrogen (NOX), and volatile organic compounds in air increasing air pollution. Hence the most effective way of saving environment will be recycling these wastes and reusing it. Also the natural resources such as sand, stone and aggregates are depleting with increasing population and construction. For this reason incorporation of waste rubber in the form of crumb rubber is a perfect alternative to be used in construction industry. This study mainly portrays the use of crumb rubber as a replacement of sand. The mix was designed for M35. The replacement proportions are taken as 0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% of fine aggregate. Further, the reaction of sulphuric acid in the crumb rubber concrete (CRC) has been studied. It has been seen that the compressive strength of the crumb rubber concrete decreases with increase in rubber content. There were slight physical changes seen in the cubes cured in sulphuric acid after a curing period of 56 days. With the experiments performed, it is recommended to use CRC in light weight structures and for non-load bearing structures.