Synthesis of rubberized alkali-activated concrete: experimental and numerical evaluation

Abstract

This paper evaluated feasibility of using the waste rubber tire crumbs (WRTCs) as partial replacement for the natural aggregates in production of alkali-activated rubberized concrete (AARC). Numerical model calculations using the neural network technique were performed to evaluate the overall performance of the proposed rubberized concretes in terms of the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, water absorption, carbonation depth and impact resistance to dynamic load. The AARC modified with 30% of WRTCs as the natural aggregates replacement showed improved mechanical strength wherein the compressive strength after the curing age of 28 days was 30 MPa, indicating its suitability for diverse construction applications. Inclusion of WRTCs as substitute to the natural aggregates was shown to improve the concrete ductility.