Evaluation of Crack Propagation in Fiber-Reinforced Rubber Concrete Paving Mixes Under Thermal Cycles and Snowmelt Conditions

Abstract This study examines a novel approach to enhancing the performance and durability of concrete pavement mixes by incorporating recycled rubber, hooked-end steel fibers, and glass fibers. The research focuses on addressing the issues of cracking and frost-related surface scaling that can compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of concrete. The study develops improved concrete mixes suitable for snow-melting pavement applications. Over 300 samples were tested to evaluate their mechanical and durability properties, both with and without exposure to thermal (heating/cooling) cycles. Key tests included notched three-point bending to measure crack mouth opening displacement (CMOD), as well as water absorption and electrical resistivity assessments. The results show that the addition of rubber and hybrid fibers showed the most significant improvements, a 77.59% increase in maximum CMOD load and a 99.9% increase in maximum CMOD value. After thermal cycling, CMOD values decreased slightly across all mixes, with rubberized concrete (RC) mixes showing a 5.96% reduction in maximum CMOD load and a 5.96% reduction in maximum CMOD value. Water absorption showed a 25.65% increase in plain concrete (PC) after heating/cooling cycles, while mixes with hybrid fibers and rubber exhibited a slight increase but remained below the 6% threshold, confirming their durability. Electrical resistivity decreased by 25.57% in PC after thermal cycling, whereas fiber and rubber-enhanced mixes showed smaller declines, emphasizing the resilience of fiber-reinforced mixes. These findings suggest that rubberized fiber-reinforced concrete is a promising material for resilient, snow-melting pavement systems. This approach provides promising, resilient material for challenging pavement applications, especially in climates with freeze-thaw conditions.