The freeze-thaw durability of concrete containing the rubber aggregate of tire waste

Abstract

The influence of rubber aggregate of tire waste (RATW) under cyclic freezethaw attack of concrete was studied. Various concrete mixes were prepared: a plain concrete (PC) produced with natural sand and rubber concretes (CRATW) included the RATW ratios of 5, 10, and 15 % such as a partial replacement with the natural sand aggregate (NSA). After the samples exposed to the different freeze-thaw cycles (120, 240, 340), their following properties were evaluated: visual observations, mass loss, dynamic modulus of elasticity and compressive strength. Our results indicate that the inclusion of RATW increasing entrappedair and the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between cement matrix - rubber is weak and porous. In addition, the rubber concretes have higher resistance to freeze-thaw attack compared to plain concrete. This innovative trend could be extending the concrete structures’ life in a cold climate. This clean practice of reusing RATW with cement based materials will reduce their stock in the landfills and eliminates their pollution on the environment.