Revista de la Facultad de Ingeniería U.C.V., Vol. 28, N° 1, pp.

97-114, 2013

PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED PORTLAND CEMENT CONCRETE WITH SCRAP

RUBBER AT DIFFERENT W/C RATIOS

CARMEN ALBANO1*, NELSON CAMACHO1*, MARIANELLA HERNÁNDEZ2, ANA JULIA BRAVO1,

HÉCTOR GUEVARA1, BELEN PARICAGUAN3
1
Universidad Central de Venezuela, Facultad de Ingeniería, Caracas, Venezuela.*e-mail: [email protected],
[email protected]
2
Universidad Simón Bolívar, Departamento de Mecánica, Caracas, Venezuela.
3
Universidad de Carabobo, Facultad de Ingeniería, Estudios Básicos.
Recibido: julio 2011 Recibido en forma final revisado: octubre 2012

ABSTRACT

The objective of this work was to study concrete compounds modified with automobile tire tread residues, through
destructive and non destructive essays. Compressive, indirect tensile strength and flexural strength studies done to
compounds with different compositions of rubber waste (5 and 10 wt%) and with different rubber particle size at ages of
7, 28 and 60 days, indicate that the scrap rubber addition decreases these mechanical properties. Nonetheless, this behavior
can be profitable when some ductility of the material is required. When analyzing water/cement ratios (0.45, 0.60), it
was demonstrated that higher values of mechanical properties are obtained with the lower ratio. With respect to impact
tests, the rubber addition considerably improved the energy absorption. It was also observed that an improvement in the
capacity of concrete-rubber composites for attenuating the acoustic waves respect to traditional concrete was not achieved.
Thus, it is feasible to reuse scrap rubber, regardless its particle size, as aggregates for concrete mixtures since the main
characteristics of the concrete are not deteriorated. Besides, we can expect a reduction of self-weight of concrete and also
the protection of the environment by recycling waste resources.

Keywords: Concrete, Rubber waste, Water/cement, Mechanical properties, w/c ratio.

PROPIEDADES DE CONCRETO A BASE DE CEMENTO PORTLAND CON RESIDUOS

DE CAUCHO A DIFERENTES RELACIONES DE A/C

RESUMEN

El principal objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar compuestos de concreto modificados con residuos de cauchos de
automóviles, a través de ensayos destructivos y no destructivos. Análisis de la resistencia a la compresión, resistencia
tensil indirecta y resistencia a la flexión, fueron realizados a los diferentes compuestos con diferentes contenidos (5 y
10%) y tamaños de partículas de caucho a las edades de 7, 28 y 60 días, indicando que los residuos de caucho disminuyen
estas propiedades mecánicas. Sin embargo, este comportamiento es beneficioso cuando alguna ductilidad del material se
requiere. En el análisis de las relaciones agua/cemento (a/c), se observó que los mejores resultados se obtuvieron a la más
baja relación a/c. Con respecto a los ensayos de impacto, se demostró que ocurre una mejor absorción de energía con la
adición de caucho. Por otra parte, no se obtuvo una mayor capacidad de atenuación de las ondas sonoras al compararlo
con el concreto tradicional. En resumen, la utilización de residuos de caucho en el concreto no deteriora las principales
características del concreto tradicional reduciendo el peso del mismo y logrando la protección del ambiente reciclando
fuentes de desecho.

Palabras clave: Concreto, Residuos de caucho, Agua/cemento, Propiedades mecánicas.

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INTRODUCTION the use of post-consumer plastic aggregates. Also, Khaloo
et al. (2008) employed tire-rubber particles composed of
Waste rubber has received a great deal of attention for tire chips and crumb rubber; Bartayneh et al. (2008) and
disposal or utilization because of its large production Wu & Tsai, (2009) used crumb rubber as a replacement
volume and difficulty of disposal. As an example, in the of mineral aggregates (sand). On the other hand, Yilmay
last decade Spain has generated 250.000 tons of used tires, & Degirmenci, (2009) and Snelson et al. (2009) studied
from which 45% goes to landfilling without any treatment, the substitution of the fine aggregate (sand) by different
15% is deposited after being crushed, and 40% is not proportions of waste tire rubber and fly ash in concrete and
controlled. There are many ways for waste rubber to be Albano et al. (2008) analyzed the influence of adding 5% of
useful (Hernandez-Oliverias et al. 2002; Segre & Joekes, scrap rubber with a) forms and size randomly distributed,
2000; Segre et al. 2002; Guneyisi et al. 2004). However, b) coarse and c) fine, over the concrete after an age of 28
to harmonize with the environment, waste rubber should days. With respect to other classes of residues, Ismail & Al-
be converted to a sophisticated form for better utilization. Hashmi, (2008, 2009) used waste polymers (PE, PS, 80%,
20%), waste iron and waste glass and Kou et al. (2009) used
The easiest disposal method is just in a landfill. Rubber PVC granules derived from scrap PVC pipes as substitute
pyrolysis can be another method. Also, the use of scrap of the fine aggregate in concrete.
rubber as a fuel source is a possible method because
incineration has a high caloric value. Although these In general, the inclusion of rubber into concrete results in
alternatives are feasible, recycling appears as the best higher resilience, durability and elasticity, so it can be used
solution for disposing waste rubber, due to its economical in important areas such as: in highway construction as a
and ecological advantages. shock absorber, in sound barriers as a sound absorber and
also in building as an earthquake shock-wave absorber, etc.
Tire residues are formed by various natural and synthetic
polymers: natural rubber (NR), styrene-butadiene-styrene Based on all these premises, this research was conducted
rubber (SBR), polybutadiene rubber (BR), polyisoprene to investigate the mechanical properties and sonic wave
rubber (PI), among other components. These residues can measurements of the concrete obtained by incorporating
be used as part of the components of the asphaltic sheets discarded tires, varying particle size and rubber content at
employed in the construction of automobile pathways and two different water/cement ratios (0.45 and 0.60) at ages
roads, therefore decreasing the aggregate extraction from of 7, 28 and 60 days, with the purpose of determining the
quarries. Tire residues are also used for carpeting, vehicle feasibility of use of these materials.
isolation, rubber panels, shoe soles, roofing, and in the sports
field as carpeting or flooring for athletic tracks or pathways. EXPERIMENTAL
Other important use is as acoustic isolation (Cuesta &
Cobo, 2008). The interest in using scrap rubber from tires Materials and Methods
as an acoustic absorber is based on the ease of handling
through conventional machining and grinding. These The materials used in this study were Portland cement type
treatments permit to obtain a product with granulometric I, fine aggregate (river sand), coarse aggregate (crushed
and dosage specifications in accordance with those needed stone) and lightweight aggregate (scrap rubber). Physical
for an effective acoustic absorption. Thus, the applications and chemical properties of the aggregates are shown in
of scrap rubber seem to be endless and seem to be growing Table 1.
everyday.
Table 1. Physical and Chemical characteristics of the fine
On the other hand, the conception of products for concrete is (sand) and coarse (crushed stone) aggregates
also increasing, due to the high growth of construction in the Aggregate Coarse Sand
past years. Even though concrete based on Portland cement Specific weight
is one of the most extraordinary and versatile elements in 2.70 2.57
(g/cm3)
construction, there is a need for modifying its properties,
Loose unit
such as tensile strength, hardness, ductility and durability 1.345 1.691
weight (kg/cm3)
(Topcu & Avcular, 1997; Albano et al. 2005). One way for
obtaining different properties is by the addition of recycled Sieve 200 1.29% 6.85%
plastic materials into the concrete. One can mention the work H2O absorption
1.15 1.83
done by Siddique et al. (2008) who presented a review on (%)

98
 Aggregate Coarse Sand electronic magnifying glass (Figure 2). Average particle size
was determined through a software application available in
Compact unit
1.547 1.848 the laboratory.
weight (kg/m3)
Surface Compounds of conventional concrete and concrete–scrap
--------------- 6.00
percentage (%) rubber were prepared, where the water/cement ratio was
kept constant at values of 0.45 and 0.60. Part of the sand
Figure 1 shows granulometry results of the aggregates (fine aggregate) was substituted by scrap rubber of different
and the particle size distribution of Portland cement. sizes (big and fine), separately. The weight percentage of
Scrap rubber was obtained from tire treads (Covencaucho, rubber used was 5% and 10%.
Venezuela) and was sieved into different particle sizes.
Those sizes corresponding to the greater percentages were Rubber compounds were elaborated following a traditional
the ones used in the present investigation. Average sizes of mix design, where a slump value was fixed between 6 and
the scrap rubber were equal or higher than 1.19mm (big) 10cm (Porrero, 1986). A compressive strength value of 280
and smaller than 1.19mm (fine) and were estimated based kg/cm2 at 28 days was fixed.
on measurements done to micrographs by means of an

Figure 1. Sieve analysis of sand (a) and aggregate(b) and particle size distribution of the Portland cement used (c)

Figure 2. Shape and size of scrap rubber particles used

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Following Abrams law (Porrero, 1986) and the compressive Compounds were prepared in a vertical axis blender with
strength fixed value, the water/cement ratios were a nominal capacity of 60 l. Concrete specimens, slabs
determined, being the values 0.45 and 0.60. Using the and cylinders, were elaborated using metallic molds with
“triangular relation” (slump, water/cement ratio and cement dimensions of 200mmx200mmx50mm and 150mmx300mm
dose) one can obtain the cement proportion, the water and compacted with a compaction steel bar. The specimens
content and the aggregate per m3 of composite needed. were covered with cling film to prevent water loss for 24 h;
then, they were cured in a water tank at 25±2 C for 7, 28
The mix design for preparing a 60 l blend is presented in and 60 days after demolding. All specimens were tested in
Table 2 for two different water/cement ratios (w/c), which satured conditions.
were determined through a hydro balance; this implies that
water and cement values presented in Table 2 are not the
ones defining the water/cement ratio.

Table 2. Mix design of the blends with different scrap rubber contents and different water/cement ratios
Components Quantity (kg)

w/c= 0.60 w/c= 0.45

Scrap rubber percentage 0% 5% 10 % 0% 5% 10 %
Cement 17.8 17.8 17.8 23.0 23.0 23.0
Water 9.1 9.1 9.1 8.8 8.8 8.8
Sand 52.9 50.3 47.6 51.1 48.5 46.0
Stone 62.6 62.6 62.6 60.5 60.5 60.5
Scrap rubber ---- 2.6 5.3 ---- 2.6 5.1

Experimental procedure On the other hand, measurements of travel time of ultrasonic

pulse wave in specimens, in saturated conditions, were
Hardened concrete was tested for compressive and splitting performed after 24h. Ten (10) measurements were done
tensile strength, at the ages of 7, 14, 28 and 60 days. These to each specimen, using Vaseline as a coupling medium
tests were determined using cylinder specimens, according between the faces of the transducers and the faces of the
to ASTM C192 (2004) and C496 (2004) standards. concrete specimen. Testing was followed during 60days,
the first seven consecutive days and the rest between
In the compressive and splitting tensile strength tests, intervals of 2 and 4 days, with the objective of studying the
a specimen was subjected to a compression load on the ageing of the composite material. In order to measure the
external faces of the cylinder along longitudinal lines, ultrasonic velocity, an Ultrasonic Non-Destructive Digital
and on two axial lines which are diametrically opposite, Tester (PUNDIT), with an appreciation of 0.1 and 1 μs, was
respectively. The load was applied continuously until the employed. A transducer with a vibrational frequency of 52
specimen failed. kHz, accuracy of ±1% for travel time and ±2% for distance
was also used. All specimens were tested in saturated
The flexural strength of the slabs was measured using one- conditions.
third point loading as described in ASTM C78 (2004). The
slabs were placed on two supports near to the extremes and RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
a load was applied in the middle until the specimen failed.
The accelerated ageing was done by submitting the slabs Destructive Testing
to 5 cycles of heat (oven at 110 ºC) and moisture (water at
room temperature); each of these cycles (heat and moisture) The scrap rubber particles were observed by a magnifying
last 24 hours, after which the slabs were tested. All the lens 6X as shown in Figure 2. This picture shows that the
mechanical testing was done in a hydraulic universal press particles have a rough surface, with irregular shape and
(Amsler). different sizes.

100
The values of compressive strength for the compounds at the same water/cement ratio, since rubber does not
prepared with different water/cement ratios, different contribute to the concrete strength as the fine aggregate
compositions, as well as different particle size at ages of 7, (sand) does. In addition, the increase in rubber content
28 and 60 days are shown in Figure 3. These values indicate decreases even more the concrete strength at a given age,
that the compressive strength increases with curing time, since the scrap rubber particles originate greater interstitial
due to reactions between cement and water. During the voids (Figure 4), probably filled with water, so a low
first 28 days, the increase is accelerated, then this increase aggregate-concrete interaction (Alvarez & Alvarez, 1985)
slows down with time and for almost all compounds, the is achieved with subsequent loss in compressive strength.
values maintain similar to those observed for 28 days. This In Figure 4 discontinuity is observed in the rubber-matrix
behavior can be attributed to the lowering of the reaction interface demonstrating that the scrap rubber adhesion to
velocity due to the exhaustion of reactants (water, cement). cement paste is poor. This could be indicating that there
exists a low bonding strength between the scrap rubber and
The addition of scrap rubber decreases the concrete the concrete, specifically with the cement paste.
resistance when compared to the conventional material

Figure 3. Compressive strength of concrete-scrap rubber for w/c 0.45 and 0.60
101
 Figure 4. Porosity of concrete-scrap rubber composites for w/c: 0.45. a) without, ; b) 5wt.% fine and c) 5wt.% big
102
On the other hand, scrap rubber is a hydrophobic material tensile strength is influenced by the properties of the
which may restrict the hydration of cement (Albano et al. interfacial transition zone. The smooth surface of the scrap
2008). Besides, rubber has a very low density, and when rubber could cause a weaker bonding between scrap rubber
substituting part of the fine aggregates, the holes present particles and the concrete. Topçu (1995), Witoszek et al.
in concrete increases. Then, this behavior observed for the (2004) and Hernández & Barluenga, (2002) found results
compressive strength is due to a rise in the air content with alike. In the indirect tensile strength, specimens with scrap
the rubber concentration (Argüelles, 1980). rubber show high capacity of absorbing plastic energy. The
failed specimens withstand measurable post-failure loads
When increasing rubber particle size, no significant change and undergo significant displacement, which is partially
in the values of compressive strength is observed. Thus, recoverable. Thus, the concrete mass is able to withstand
we could infer that there are bond defects between the loads even when it is highly cracked, since the scrap rubber
rubber particles and the concrete, reflecting a discontinuity has the ability to undergo large elastic deformation before
between such components. So, cracks are initiated quickly failure, as reported by Topçu (1995). As a result, the rubber
around the scrap rubber particles due to the modulus particles disrupt the concrete mixture homogeneity and
mismatch, since the scrap rubber particles have a lower produce pores inside the blend; they do not increase the
elastic modulus than the surrounding cement paste. mechanical strength of the concrete as the fine aggregate
(sand) or the paste would do, since rubber is more elastic
With respect to the effect of the water/cement ratio, the than the hardened cement.
highest values were obtained for a ratio of 0.45. This
behavior is followed for different rubber compositions On the other hand, no segregation of the aggregates was
and different particle sizes, as a consequence of an observed and rubber distributed almost uniformly in all
overall improvement in cement-hydrate aggregate bonds the analyzed compounds, although the characteristic
(Rossignolo & Agnesini, 2002). heterogeneity of the concrete-rubber compounds.

Figure 5 shows the values of indirect tensile strength, which Figures 6 and 7 show the flexural strength of the compounds
present an analogous behavior to those of compressive cured during 28 and 60 days, for a water/cement ratio of
strength, since the rubber affects in a similar way both 0.45, unaged and aged under the mentioned heat-moisture
properties. According to Mindess et al. (2003), the indirect cycles.

w/c: 0.45

103
 w/c: 0.60

Figure 5. Indirect tensile strength of concrete-scrap rubber for w/c 0.45 and 0.60

Figure 6. Flexural strength of the composites, after aged during 28 days, for a water/cement ratio of 0.45

104
 Figure 7. Flexural strength of the composites, after aged during 60 days, for a water/cement ratio (α) of 0.45

One can notice that the values of the traditional concrete the material. This indicates that ductility and durability are
are higher than those of the compounds with rubber, increased, allowing the material to retain part of the load
irrespectively of content or particle size. When slabs are at large displacements. This behaviour reflects the type of
exposed to ageing cycles (heat and moisture), a slight crack produced in each case. This characteristic represents
decrease of 10-15% is attained by the flexural strength an important aspect for certain applications such as concrete
values. Similar behavior was observed for the water/cement pavements, highway defences, etc. Similar results were
ratio of 0.60. So, a reduction in flexural strength with scrap obtained by Huynh et al (1998) and Hernández & Baluenga
rubber is obtained, due the reduction of binder content in (2002). As an example, Figure 8 shows the fractured slabs
the mixture. Changes in temperature and humidity produce of traditional concrete and of a compound with 5 wt.% of
expansions and contractions in the concrete that fatigue the scrap rubber at a water/cement ratio of 0.45 and cured at
material and so flexural resistance decreases. In addition, 28 days.
one can notice that for a curing time of 60 days, the behavior
is similar to the one for 28 days. As a partial conclusion of these results, we could say that
even though a decrease in mechanical properties is achieved,
In traditional concrete, the first crack propagates the addition of scrap rubber originates small movements of
immediately provoking instant failure. In concrete-scrap the concrete, making the use of such materials feasible in
rubber compounds, the scrap rubber bridges the crack the construction field, especially as expansion joints, crack
and prevents catastrophic failure of the specimen during filling and soil injection, among others. Product density
the test; besides, this rupture is slower and progressive. and cost also decrease since scrap rubber reduces the self
The scrap rubber continues to carry stress beyond matrix weight.
cracking which helps to maintain the structural integrity of

Figure 8. Behavior of the slabs after fracture

105
With respect to the impact tests, these are based on abruptly
applying a load, which comes from a mass in movement. This the surface of the slab are observed around the impact
test involves energy transfer, absorption and dissipation. track, that is to say, the impact energy is absorbed by the
Figures 9 shows the diameter of the track obtained in the deformation of the material. However, if rubber particles
impact tests for different compounds, observing that all are small, the track does not present the same amount of
values are similar with very small variations (6-8 mm), cracks or fractures in the adjacencies of the impact zone.
except isolated values. Analogous results are obtained for
both water/cement ratios (0.45 and 0.60). The diameter During the development of the testing, it was observed
measure precision is 0.30 mm. From these results we can say that when the pendulum hit the rubber-concrete slabs, the
that even though no significant variations on the diameter rebound effect was lower, being this result even lower for
of the impact track are obtained, notorious differences on 10 wt % of rubber indistinctively of the rubber particle
the type of track are observed. In the slabs corresponding to size. This fact could be indicating that the rubber improves
traditional concrete, we could observe that the impact track considerably the absorption of impact energy of the
is circular and no deep; however, in the slabs of concrete- concrete. Topçu & Avcular (1997) found that the material
rubber compounds, it depends on the particle size of the with greater rubber content presented better results, that is
rubber. If the rubber particles are big, cracks on to say, it absorbed the impact energy in greater proportion.

Figure 9. Impact test of concrete-scrap rubber compounds for a water/cement (α) ratio 0.45 and 0.60
106
Non destructiveTesting all compounds without rubber and with rubber at different
contents and/or particle size, as well as for the two water/
Figures 10 and 11 reveal that the velocity of ultrasonic cement ratios analyzed. Additionally, the rubber content
pulse increases as the curing time of the concrete increases. in the compounds reduces the velocity of pulse when
This rise is steeper during the first 10 days, fact related to comparing it with the values of traditional concrete, being
the physico-chemical changes that occur in the concrete as this effect more notorious with greater rubber content.
a consequence of the hydration reactions, which are faster
during the first days of cure. This behavior is similar for

Figure 10. Variation of ultrasonic pulse velocity with curing time for concrete-scrap rubber composites for a water/
cement ratio (w/c) of 0.45

Figure 11. Variation of ultrasonic pulse velocity with curing time for concrete-scrap rubber composites for a water/
cement ratio (w/c) of 0.60

107
Also, it is appreciated that the values of ultrasonic pulse are, longer, so it increases its passage through the material and
in average, higher for the water/cement ratio of 0.45; there therefore reduces the velocity of ultrasonic pulse.
is a greater amount of cement that reacts with the water and
connects aggregate particles, forming a rigid solid through One of the parameters that was determined and analyzed
which the sound waves propagate with greater facility. This in the rubber-concrete compounds is the dynamic-elastic
behavior is also pronounced in compounds with rubber. modulus (E), which represents a relation between the load
and the deformation. In the present work, the determination
The addition of the rubber, as well as the greater water/ of this parameter was made from the speed of ultrasonic
cement ratio (0.60), produces a diminution in the specific pulse. The mathematical expressions used for the calculus
weight of the compound, creating empty spaces in the of E were (Tobio, 1967):
concrete in which water and/or air can be inserted, therefore
preventing the paste of being introduced. Consequently, 1 # 10 -6 c 6w ^ 1 + nh^ 1 - 2nh@
a diminution in the velocity of pulse is observed. These E= (1)
1-n
zones denominated “dead zones” do not contribute with the
increase of the resistance, but represent places with high E = 1 # 10 -6 c 2 w (2)
probability of fracture.
where w (Kg/m3) is the volumetric weight of the dry
Besides, the addition of rubber to the concrete, originates concrete, c (m/s) is the ultrasonic pulse velocity and μ is
pores, as previously indicated, and this fact brings as the coefficient of Poisson.
a consequence that the length of the way of the wave is

Figure 12. Compressive strength vs. Dynamic-elastic modulus for concrete-scrap rubber composites for a water/cement
ratio of 0.45. The values within the circles indicate: (I) conventional concrete; (II) concrete with 5wt.% fine and big
scrap rubber and (III) concrete with 10wt.% fine and big scrap rubber

In Figures 12 and 13 one can see the behavior of the quality is considered excellent. The determined “theoretical”
compressive strength obtained through the destructive values of E represent the equation (2), which serve as
mechanical tests and the dynamic-elastic modulus obtained control to establish comparisons with the obtained values
from the equations (1) and (2), being the values of the of E through the equation (1). Additionally, in Figures 12
coefficient of Poisson (μ) of 0.15 and zero (theoretical) for and 13, a series of E values that correspond to conventional
all compounds studied with and without rubber. The value concrete, with 5 and 10 wt% of rubber indistinct of average
of μ = 0.15 is recommended in the literature (Tobio, 1967) particle size are included as circles.
for concretes whose

108
Figure 13. Compressive strength vs. Dynamic-elastic modulus for concrete-scrap rubber composites for a water/cement
ratio of 0.60. The values within the circles indicate: (I) conventional concrete; (II) concrete with 5wt.% fine and big
scrap rubber and (III) concrete with 10wt.% fine and big scrap rubber

considered. The obtained values oscillate between 0.29

The behavior of the values indicates that the dynamic-elastic and 0.33, depending on the water/cement ratio, rubber
modulus increases as the compressive strength increases. content and on particle size, being the smaller deviation of
According to Neville (1981a, 1981b), the E of the concrete ± 0.04. According to Kou et al (2009), an increase in the
increases with the square root of its compressive strength; Poisson ratio is related to an increase in the ductility of the
this is fulfilled for w/c = 0.60. In Figure 13, it is observed compound. A rise in concrete ductility can be attributed to
that the obtained values of E with the equation (1) for μ = the elastic nature of scrap rubber particles. The value of the
0.15 are overlapped with the experimental values of E. This coefficient of Poisson for elastomers is of 0.50 according to
indicates that it is possible to use values of the coefficient Venuat & Papadakis (1966), which would indicate that the
of Poisson around 0.15 for determining the dynamic- value of μ obtained (0.29-0.33) is in the interval between
elastic modulus of concrete-scrap rubber compounds from 0.15 and 0.50.
ultrasonic pulse velocity measurements.
Figure 14 shows the behavior for the values of compressive
In Figure 12, one can notice an irregular behavior of the strength (R) as a function of the ultrasonic pulse velocity
E values for the compounds with a water/cement ratio of (c) for a cure time of 60 days and for all compounds
0.45. This can be consequence of the fast hardening of studied with and without rubber at different w/c ratios. The
compounds during the compaction, reason for which the traditional concrete compounds are located at high values
compressive strength shows greater dispersion. Added to of compressive strength and speed of ultrasonic pulse, and
this, when rubber with a big particle size was used (>1.19 diminish based on the rubber content and on the particle
mm), the specimens presented certain difficulty to obtain a size (5 wt% fine, 10 wt% fine, 5wt% big and 10 wt % big).
good surface finishing, because the rubber particles tend to The values shown in Figure 14 were approximated
stand out of the paste, aspect that is indicated as important to a potential equation ( R = 2 # 10 -2 c 5.77 ) for the
for the manufacture, molding, curing and transportation ratio w/c = 0.45 and to a polynomial equation (
of the specimens. This rough surface represents stress R = 2 # 10 -5 c 2 - 0.15c + 259.3 ) for the ratio w/c =
concentration points that can reduce the resistance of the 0.60, with a correlation index (r2) of 0.837 and 0.917,
concrete under study. respectively. These expressions were determined with the
purpose of considering the compressive strength through
Through equations (1) and (2), the values of the coefficient non-destructive testing. The greater dispersion of the data
of Poisson for the different compounds with rubber were for the ratio w/c = 0.45 is due to the low workability in
these compounds, as well as to the difficult compaction.
109
 Figure 14. Compressive strength versus ultrasonic pulse velocity for conventional concrete and concrete-scrap rubber
composites for the different water/cement ratio (Potential (0.45); Polynomial (0.60))

Table 3. Dynamic-elastic modulus of the compounds under study

Poisson Dynamic-elastic modulus (MPa) x102 ± 0.5
coefficient (w/c) Fine Big
(dimensionless) control 5% 10% 5% 10%
0.45 402.4 315.8 261.9 321.8 282.5
0.15
0.60 376.4 313.3 227.4 308.0 252.9
0.45 448.6 333.5 276.6 365.8 298.3
zero
0.60 397.4 330.9 240.1 325.3 267.0

Table 3 shows the Young’s dynamic-elastic modulus of velocity (m/s).

the compounds cured at 28 days, using equations (1) and
(2) with μ equal to 0.15 and zero, respectively. Based on Ra - Ra 2
a r = a Ra 2 + Ra 1 k (4)
these results, we can infer that E decreases with scrap 1 2

rubber content, but is invariable with scrap rubber size. 2Ra 1 Ra 2

Such behaviour is more accentuated with the increase aT = (5)
^ Ra 1 + Ra 2h2
in the water/cement ratio. Once again, we can presume
that the inclusion of scrap rubber implies defects in the where Ra1 and Ra2 represent the acoustic impedance of the
internal structure of the composite material producing air and of the compounds with and without rubber.
a reduction of strength, a decrease of stiffness and an
increase in ductility. In Table 4 the acustic impedance behavior as a function
of the curing time is presented. It can be seen that the Ra
On the other hand, acoustic impedance, the coefficients increases with increasing curing times independently of
of acoustic reflection (αr) and transmission (αT) for both the water/cement ratio. From the data could also be seen
water/cement relations were determined for curing times that with increasing amount and decreasing sizes of rubber
of 7, 28 and 60 days. The following equations were used scraps the Ra decreases.
(Blitz, 1969; Akkaya et al, 2003):
In general it can be observed that the greatest increase of
R a = tc (3) Ra take place during the first 28 of the curing time. This
behavior can be seen as a result of the big changes that
Where Ra indicates acoustic impedance (kg/m2s) and ρ, occur whiting the concrete at the earliest curing time,
density of the compound (kg/m3); and c, ultrasonic pulse which produces a faster increase in the rate of travelling
110
of the wave through the cement (figures 10 and 11). The problem which reduce the ultrasonic pulse velocity.
increasing rate is lover in mixtures prepared with a water/ Values for aT and ar are reported in Table 5.
cement ratio equal to 0.45. This is due to a compactation

Table 4. Acoustic impedance of the compounds under study

Water/cement Curing time (days) 7 days 28 days 60 days
ratio Scrap rubber (%) Ra (Acustic impedance (kg/m2s))
----- 0 10135021 10416832 10720442
5 8401084 8640728 8901925
Fine
0.45 10 7299159 7394292 7480357
5 8767334 9170315 9434749
Big
10 7638328 8019491 8297270
----- 0 9399409 9895648 10091024
5 7975226 8473179 8808151
Fine
0.60 10 6393262 7102676 7350705
5 8098962 8701195 8880617
Big
10 6934556 7550673 7886986

Table 5. Coefficients of transmission (αT) and reflection (αr) of the compounds under study
Water/cement Curing time (days) 7 days 28 days 60 days
ratio Scrap rubber (%) αTx105 αr αTx105 αr αTx105 αr
----- 0 1.72 0.9999 1.67 0.9999 1.63 0.9999
5 2.08 0.9999 2.02 0.9999 1.96 0.9999
Fine
0.45 10 2.39 0.9999 2.26 0.9999 2.20 0.9999
5 1.99 0.9999 1.92 0.9999 1.85 0.9999
Big
10 2.28 0.9999 2.19 0.9999 2.10 0.9999
----- 0 1.86 0.9999 1.79 0.9999 1.73 0.9999
5 2.15 0.9999 2.01 0.9999 1.96 0.9999
Fine
0.60 10 2.73 0.9999 2.44 0.9999 2.37 0.9999
5 2.15 0.9999 2.03 0.9999 1.98 0.9999
Big
10 2.51 0.9999 2.30 0.9999 2.21 0.9999

Table 5 shows the values of αr and αT. As it can be seen, transportation structures where high strength is not of prime
all compounds have a high capacity of reflection and a importance. In addition, due to the increase in porosity, a
low capacity of transmission. Also, it is observed that an possible application could be in sports courts and pavements
improvement as far as the capacity of the concrete-rubber which need good water drainage.
compounds to attenuate the sound waves is not obtained,
with respect to traditional concrete; but on the contrary, a CONCLUSIONS
slight increase in the transmission coefficient is observed
when adding rubber to concrete, which implies that these Scrap rubber-filled concrete blends show a decrease in
compounds with rubber are not usable as sound barrier compressive strength and in splitting tensile strength. In
materials in indoor spaces. other words, the inclusion of scrap rubber implies defects in
the internal structure of the concrete, producing a reduction
Even though the substitution of the fine aggregate by scrap in strength and a decrease in stiffness. This behavior can be
rubber gives place to a decrease in the properties, it can be profitable when some ductility of the material is required.
used for encapsulating waste materials from other industries The results of compressive strength and indirect tensile
and to produce ecologically safe concretes, as well as sub- strength indicate that 10% of rubber aggregates affect the
bases for highway pavements, highway medians and other properties more negatively than 5% rubber aggregates.
111
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scrap rubber, regardless its particle size, as aggregates for
concrete mixtures since the main characteristics of the Guneyisi, E., Gesoglu, M., T. Ozturan, T. (2004). Properties
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Hernández, F. & Barluenga, G. (2002). Static and Dinamic
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