Study on static and dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of silica fume-polypropylene fiber modified rubber concrete

Abstract

Through tests and micro-observations, the static and dynamic mechanical properties and microstructure of rubber concrete samples modified with varying amounts of silica fume and polypropylene fiber content were explored. The results indicate that incorporation of silica fume and polypropylene fiber can effectively enhance the performance of rubber concrete. Moreover, at 10% and 0.1% of silica fume and polypropylene fiber content respectively, rubber concrete’s compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and dynamic compressive strength reached maxima. Furthermore, microstructure characteristic analysis indicated that inadequate adhesion between rubber particles and the matrix is responsible for compromised bearing capacity in unmodified rubber concrete. However, with the addition of silica fume and polypropylene fiber, the fiber binds the rubber particles closely with the matrix, while the silica fume fills the gaps between the matrix components. This combination results in rubber concrete with a denser internal structure and enhances its bearing capacity significantly.