Effects of long shredded rubber particles recycled from waste tires on mechanical properties of concrete

The goal of this research is to study the mechanical properties of recycled rubber particles extracted from scrap tires in concrete to introduce a sustainable waste management system and subsequently to reduce the use of non-renewable resources in concrete. In this paper, fine aggregates of concrete are partially replaced (up to 50% by volume of fine aggregate) with recycled long shredded rubber particles mainly smaller than sieve #4 in size. Concrete cylinders with different proportion of rubber are prepared and tested under compression. Also, specimens without rubber are prepared and tested as control specimens. The compressive strength, elastic modulus, and stress-strain curves of the specimens are analyzed to characterize the behaviour of concrete with recycled long shredded rubber particles. The results showed that the rubber weakened the compressive strength and elastic modulus of concrete. Empirical equations are also proposed to account the effect of rubber content on the mechanical properties.