Granulated waste tyres in concrete paving block

Abstract

This research studies the potential of using crumb rubber as a partial substitute for course sand in the production of concrete paving block. Laboratory trials were conducted to compare and investigate the effect of using three particle size of crumb rubber (1 - 3 mm), (3 - 5 mm) and combination of both. A series of tests were carried out to determine the properties of the blocks prepared with and without crumb rubber. The dry density, compressive strength and skid resistance were measured for laboratory prepared samples. It is believed that cement acting as a binder mixed with crumb rubber make concrete blocks more flexible and thus, provides softness to the surface. At the same time it also provides sufficient strength or minimum required strength (30 MPa) in accordance to MA20 for 60 mm thickness rectangular block to be used on pavement for vehicles of less than 3 tonnes gross weight.