Mechanical Performance of Steel-Fiber-Incorporated Rubberized Concrete for Rigid Pavement Applications

Abstract

Sustainable solutions are required to mitigate waste tire accumulation. Using rubberized concrete (RuC) in rigid pavements is a viable and relatively environmentally friendly strategy for partially replacing fine/coarse aggregates with crumb rubber. However, crumb rubber affects the mechanical properties of concrete. Although RuC is more flexible (ideal for road pavements) than conventional concrete, its strength is lower than that of the standard concrete used in rigid pavements. Consequently, the crumb rubber generated from discarded tires cannot be used sustainably. The primary objective of this study was to characterize RuC mixed with manufactured steel fibers to improve the strength of the mixture. Fine aggregates (sand) were partially substituted with various proportions (10%, 20%, and 40%) of crumb rubber (size:1.70–2.36 mm) while incorporating 0.5% steel fibers (by volume). The compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of the concrete deteriorated with increasing rubber content, consistent with the previously reported results. However, steel fiber incorporation improved the mechanical behavior of RuC, thus enhancing the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength of the pavement structure. The developed steel-fiber-incorporated RuC design enhances the usability and economic value of RuC as well as minimizes the adverse environmental impact of concrete pavement technology.