A study on mechanical properties of rubberised concrete containing burnt clay powder

Abstract

An experimental study was conducted to investigate the mechanical performance of rubberised concrete containing Burnt Clay Powder (BCP). Waste Tire Rubber (WTR) and BCP were used to replace coarse aggregate and Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) respectively. Class 20, 25 and 30 concrete mixes based on British Research Environment (BRE) were cast and tested for compressive, split tensile and flexural strengths. The findings of the tests revealed reductions in compressive and split tensile strengths for concrete mixes with 5% BCP compared to control concrete mixes for 7, 28 and 56 days curing periods. However, inclusion of BCP in concrete seemed to increase the compressive and split tensile strengths of concrete compared to control concrete at 90 days curing period. The findings also demonstrated that WTR content as high as 20% by aggregate total volume could be used to generate rubberised concrete containing 5% BCP with compressive strengths of 18–33 MPa for class 20, 25 and 30 concrete mixes. The flexural strength of unreinforced beams decreased due to inclusion of 5% BCP compared to control concrete after 28 days of curing. Rubberised concrete with BCP was observed to promote ductile failure of concrete cubes while control concrete cubes exhibited brittle failure. The inclusion of 5% BCP in concrete seemed to decrease compressive and split tensile strengths at lower curing periods while still presenting improved results at longer curing period.