Behavior of Rubbercrete Long-Columns Subjected to Axial Loads with Minimum Eccentricity: A Numerical Study

The study aims to determine the structural behavior of reinforced rubbercrete long-columns under axial load of small eccentricity. ABAQUS finite element software was employed in this study to investigate the effects of concrete compressive strengths (fc' =24, 28, 60 MPa), crumb rubber content (0.5%, 10%, 20% fine aggregate replacement) and the slenderness ratio (=8.0, 15, 20, 25) on columns load capacity and lateral deflection. The results of this study show that concrete with tire rubber has lower column capacity and higher lateral deflection than the control concrete. Also, the results show that the ultimate capacity decreases and deflection increases when the slenderness ratio increases. The strengths of the original control columns have no such trend for the lateral deflection for columns with similar rubber content. It is found that the lateral deflection equations based on the Eurocode2 and ECP203-2020 code have to be more conservative in the case of the column with crumb. The studies of the current research can contribute to improvement of the recommended design and construction standards related to rubbercrete columns and their structural performance in construction. This work has possible sustainable advantages due to its application of recycled material (rubber from tires) in concrete mix.