Experimental and analytical evaluation of mechanical properties of rubberized concrete incorporating waste tire crumb rubber

This research elucidates the mechanical behavior of rubberized concrete produced with waste tire crumb rubber as a substitute for fine aggregate, a crucial step given the lack of established standards for rubberized concrete design. We scrutinized the tensile strength ( f ts ), flexural strength ( f f ), and modulus of elasticity ( E c ) of rubberized concrete with varying crumb rubber contents, sizes, and pretreatment methods. The mechanisms through which crumb rubber impacts concrete strength were explored, accounting for variances in particle sizes, rubber contents, and pretreatment methods. Over 400 groups of data from existing studies were analyzed to quantify the effect of rubber size, content, and pretreatment on the mechanical properties of rubberized concrete. Results revealed significant variations; notably, as rubber content increased from 0.0 % to 3.0 %, the f ts in concrete with crumb rubbers sized 100 mesh, 1–2 mm, and 2–4 mm decreased by 32.2 %, 18.6 %, and 13.2 %, respectively. Conversely, increasing the rubber size from 100 mesh to 1–2 mm and 2–4 mm resulted in notable increases in f ts , f f , and E c . The study further identified that the alterations in concrete's void structure due to crumb rubber inclusion significantly affect its mechanical properties. Our comprehensive analysis led to the development of evaluation equations for f ts , f f , and E c of rubberized concrete, presenting a robust method to predict the mechanical properties of rubberized concrete with varied crumb rubber incorporations. This work bridges a significant gap in the analytical evaluation of rubberized concrete, paving the way for advancing its application in sustainable construction practices. • The impact mechanism of waste tire crumb rubber on concrete strength was elucidated. • Effect of crumb rubber on f ts , f f , and E c of concrete is robustly characterized. • Accurate evaluation equations for f ts , f f , and E c of rubberized concrete were proposed.