EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON RUBBER FIBER BASED CONCRETE

K S Malladi1 and S V Barai2

ABSTRACT: The rapid progress made by the country brings with it the consequences of industrialization and the accompanied environmental hazards with it. One such environmental problem is the disposal of waste generated by modern society and discarded tyres. Discarded tyres are a nondegradable waste product with a great capacity of polluting the environment. This paper investigates the feasibility of using these tyres as an inert material in concrete. Rubber fibers obtained by the shredding and grinding of tyres is incorporated in concrete. Various fresh concrete and hardened concrete properties are studied. The performance of the concrete after treatment with NaOH solution is also investigated. Finally, rubberized concrete based tiles study was carried out. KEYWORDS: Chemical composition, Compressive strength, Rubber fiber, Tensile strength, Tiles, Tyres 1. INTRODUCTION

Annually approximately 200 million tyres are generated as waste in the world and in India; about 42.5 million tyres are discarded. The method of disposing of tyres in India is mostly by using them as fuel in brick kilns or as land fills. However, the nature of combustion and the absolute lack of processing of gases released by the combustion and the releasing of these directly into the atmosphere are a serious cause for atmospheric pollution. With the increasing number of vehicles on Indian roads, the number of tyres discarded will increase adding to the problem. Discarded tyres are also non-biodegradable. Tyres use, as landfills are breeding grounds for mosquitoes and potential fire hazards. Also, it may cause ground water pollution in longer run due to leaching of chemicals. There are several recycling methods being developed to put the recycled rubber to good use, such as recovery of resources using various physical and chemical methods. These however involve the use of energy, which is costly and hence makes them less attractive. As a possible solution to the problem of disposal of used tyres an experiment is being conducted to examine the potential of using rubber fiber as an additive in concrete. Eldin and Senouci [1] carried out tests with rubber crumb and tire chips as additives in concrete in place of fine and coarse aggregate. Khatib and Bayomy [2] also carried out tests using rubber in concrete and found the compressive strength as well properties like slump, air content and unit weight. Segre and Joeckes [3] pretreated the rubber with 0.1N NaOH solution to increase the adhesive properties of rubber to the concrete matrix. Studies have also been carried out on the stability of rubber in a highly alkaline environment. The results on static and dynamic properties, and damping properties as well as acoustic properties of rubber filled concrete are reported in the literature.

1 2

Former post-graduate student, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, India Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, IIT Kharagpur, India

This paper investigates the feasibility of using rubber of tyres as an inert material in concrete. Rubber fiber obtained by the shredding and grinding of tyres is incorporated in concrete. Various properties like workability, density, water absorption, compressive strength, tensile strength and flexural strength are studied. The performance of the concrete after treatment with NaOH solution is also investigated. Finally some tiles are cast to check practical utilization of rubber fiber incorporated concrete. 2. MATERIALS AND CONCRETE MIX DESIGN

Locally available slag cement was used for the study. Fine aggregate corresponding to Grade II of IS 383 [4], coarse aggregate corresponding to Grade II of IS 383 [4] and rubber fibers as per the details given in Table 1 are used. The rubber fibers are obtained by shredding discarded tyres. Table 1. Characteristics of rubber fiber
Sieve size 10mm 4.75mm 2.36mm 1.18mm 600 microns 300 microns 150 microns Less than 150 microns Wt retained in grams 0 33.53 134.86 170.27 41.75 27.22 11 2.05 Length of fiber 10mm 40mm 6mm- 36 mm 5mm-25mm Mostly crumb rubber

Figure 1 shows the rubber fiber obtained by the shredding of tyres. It shows clearly the elongated nature of the fiber structure. Also, Figure 1 shows the results of Scanning Electron Microscope scan. This clearly shows the microscopic structure of the rubber particle and the complex structure of rubber.

Figure 1. Rubber fibers and scanning electronic microscope (magnification 1000) 3. EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM

The experimental program consisted study on (i) replacement of the fine aggregate with rubber fiber in various proportions for fine aggregate (2) replacement of rubber fiber treated with 0.1 N NaOH solutions for fine aggregate and (iii) behaviour of rubberized concrete tile. The nomenclature of various specimens is given in Table 2. Table 2. Designated rubber in concrete mixes
Designation Mix proportion M1 M20 Concrete MF1 M20 with 5% Fiber MF2 M20 with 10% Fiber MF3 M20 with 15% Fiber MF4 M20 with 20% Fiber MN1 M20 with 10 % Fiber washed with NaOH

4.

TEST PROCEDURE

(i.) The control mix was M20 (20 MPa), designed as per the design mix in the IS 10262 [5]. (ii.) For all other mixes the proportions of cement, coarse aggregate and water remained constant with various proportions of fine aggregate being replaced by rubber fiber. Water cement ratio was 0.414. (iii.) All replacements were carried out by weight. (iv.) Potable water (Tap Water) was used in all cases. (v.) Dimensions of specimens were as per the standard specimens. All specimens were compacted using vibrator and not by hand tamping. (vi.) All specimens were removed from moulds after 24 hours and cured under water. (vii.) All measurements were made by weight and mechanical mixing of the constituents was done, giving revolutions as per laid down Indian Standards. (viii.) The testing of specimens was carried after specimens were surface dry. (ix.) Fresh and hardened concrete properties test were carried out. (x.) For each test a minimum of at least three specimens were used and for each mix at least two specimens in addition were cast for any unforeseen eventuality. 4.1 NaOH TREATMENT In addition to the above, Rubber Fiber treated with NaOH solution were also tested to compare the results with those of the untreated rubber. The procedure was to take a 0.1 N NaOH solution and immerse the rubber fiber in for 20 minutes. After removing the rubber by filtering it, the rubber was washed with water and air-dried. Then rubber fibers were taken in proportions of 10 % and replaced the sand as was done before. All the above tests were carried out on them and the results were compared. The idea of immersing and washing with NaOH and water was to remove all the dust and grime in addition to treat the surface so that there would be increased adhesion to the cement paste. 5. STUDY ON RUBBER FIBRE BASED CONCRETE

5.1 FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTIES Some of the properties of fresh concrete like workability and segregation were studied. Workability Test: The compaction factor was carried out to determine the workability of the mix. From the mix design a compaction factor of 85 % was targeted. It was found that while generally the workability decreased with the increase in the rubber content the result of MF4 mix corresponding to 15 % fiber showed an increase in the workability, but it can be summarized that generally workability is adversely affected by the incorporation of rubber fiber. Segregation: There was no segregation observed during the compaction of concrete while casting the specimens. The rubber was uniformly mixed with the concrete as was seen in the specimens after compression and tensile tests were carried out.

5.2 HARDENED CONCRETE PROPERTIES The results related to hardened concrete properties are tabulated in Table 3. Density: From Table 3, it can be seen that as the percentage of the rubber is increased the density of the concrete decreased. This is due to the fact that fine aggregate has a density about 5 times that of rubber. However, the decrease in the density is small, and it is possible that with higher percentages of rubber, one can obtain a relatively lightweight concrete, which will decrease the

weight of various structures or components of buildings as well as give ease in handling. An added advantage is the saving in wear and tear of machinery. Table 3. Hardened concrete properties
Property Density (Kg/m3) Water Absorption (percent) Compressive Strength (MPa) 7 days cube strength 28 days cube strength 28 days cylinder strength Split Tensile Strength (MPa) 28 days result Flexural Strength (MPa) 0.7fck Test results M1 2354.87 5.4 28.57 34.17 21.9 1.55 4.09 4.53 MF1 2294.30 5.0 25.56 24.97 16.17 1.5 3.5 4.122 MF2 2290.52 4.4 20.8 24.29 18.36 1.83 3.45 3.45 MF3 2284.31 3.5 18.11 24.3 16.14 1.6 3.45 3.87 MF4 2243.46 3.4 16.67 22.33 11.00 1.69 3.3 2.76

Water Absorption Tests: With regards to water absorption, it is worthwhile to note that as the percentage of rubber increased the water absorption decreased. This is a clear indication that rubber makes the concrete more waterproof. This could be due to the cross linked polymers in rubber compared to the structure of sand. Therefore, for practical purposes the incorporation of rubber increased may influence this property favorably. Compressive Strength Tests: The compressive tests were carried out after 7 days and 28 days for cubes and after 28 days for cylinders. For each test and for each mix three specimens were tested. From the design mix the target strength was 27.6N/mm2 and as per the IS 456 [6], the minimum strength of M20 concrete must at least be 24 N/mm2. It is seen from Table 3 that all the samples except that with 20% rubber fiber satisfy the criteria as laid down by the IS code. With the 20 % rubber fiber, it was found that there is a 37% percent decrease in the strength. These results are consistent with results obtained by Eldin and Senousi [1]. They also agree with the suggestion of Khatib and Bayomy [2] that the maximum amount of rubber incorporated into the concrete mix be restricted to 20%. Split Tensile Tests: As mentioned earlier the test was carried out after 28 days on surface dry cylinder specimens. Table 3 shows the results. The split tensile test gave some interesting facts. There is an actual rise in the tensile strength with the incorporation of about 10 % rubber fiber over even that with no rubber. The method of failure of the test sample also showed a change, with the failure being more ductile in nature than that with no rubber fiber. This was evident from all the samples even if the tensile strength was lower. The specimen was able to carry considerable amount of load even after failure. It was found that the fibers tended to bind the concrete specimen. The failed specimens were capable of withstanding measurable post failure loads and of undergoing significant displacement. The concrete mass was able to withstand loads even when it was highly cracked. The specimens never separated into two halves. Flexural Strength Tests: Prisms of size 500x100x100mm were tested for the flexural strength of the specimens. It can be seen from Table 3 that increase in the rubber component caused the flexural strength to decrease. The minimum flexural strength for a M20 concrete is 0.7fck, which is 3.13 N/mm2. For the above results only the concrete with 20% fiber failed the above test. In the table a comparison was carried out between the theoretical flexural strength and the experimental flexural strength and the result showed again that only 20% fiber specimens were unsatisfactory.

6.

STUDY ON NaOH TREATED RUBBER FIBRE

Rubber pretreated with NaOH solution was taken and the properties are being compared to those specimens having with untreated rubber specimens. 6.1 FRESH CONCRETE PROPERTIES Some of the properties of fresh concrete like workability and segregation were studied. Workability: Untreated fiber and treated fiber based concreted showed compaction factor as 0.71 and 0.77 respectively. The change in the workability of treated fiber is noticeable and is favorably improved. Segregation: There was no difference observed in the segregation between treated and untreated samples.

6.2 HARDENED CONCRETE PROPERTIES The results related to hardened concrete properties are tabulated in Table 4. Table 4. Hardened concrete properties for NaOH treated and untreated rubber fibers
M20 Concrete 2354.87 5.4 34.17 21.9 1.55 4.53 10 % Treated Rubber Fiber (MN1) 2262.93 4.4 28.9 20.87 2.00 3.41 10 % Untreated Rubber Fiber (MF2) 2290.52 4.4 24.29 18.36 1.83 3.44

Density Kg/m3 Water Absorption (percent) 28 days cube compressive strength (MPa) 28 days cylinder compressive strength (MPa) Split Tensile strength (MPa) Flexural strength (MPa)

Density and Water Absorption Tests: It is clear from Table 4 that there is not much difference in the water absorption and the density between the two. This can be explained that rubber remains largely inert in an alkaline environment. Compressive Strength Tests: The comparison of the strengths reveals some interesting facts, which make the treatment of the rubber with NaOH interesting. Table 4 shows that the treatment improves the strength rubber fiber filled concrete. The increase in the case of rubber fiber was nearly 20%. This makes the rubber fiber only about 8% less strong as the control mix. To understand this better the 28 days compressive strength was carried out on cylinders. The 28 days cylinder test shows similar results. Tensile Splitting and Flexural Strength Tests: It is seen from Table 4 that treatment of rubber fiber with NaOH solution improved split tensile and flexural strength. In a note published by Segre et al. [7], it was suggested that NaOH treatment removed Zinc Strearate from the surface of the rubber particles thereby increasing the adhesion to the paste. The other changes occurring could be the removal of dust, grime settling on the surface of the particles hence giving a better chance for adhesion. It is apparent that the treatment by a 0.1 N NaOH solution for 20 minutes has helped to improve the overall quality of the cement mix and substantially reduced the loss of compressive strength hence making it more attractive to be used in various applications. STUDY ON RUBBER FIBRE BASED CONCRETE TILES

7.

In order to study the feasibility of incorporating rubber in some concrete applications, concrete tiles were cast of dimensions 250 x 250 x 100 mm. The first with no rubber and using M20 concrete, and

the second with 10 % rubber fiber based concrete tiles. The tiles were then checked for compressive strength (Table 5). For each test, as before three specimens were cast and tested. Table 5. Compressive strength and flexural strength of tiles
Sample Type Control Mix - M20 concrete 10 % Rubber Fiber Compressive Strength (MPa) 30.5 27.4

While additional tests like abrasion, shrinkage is required before the commercial applications can be started. These tests were of a preliminary nature to check if the loss in strength was within acceptable limits. In the design of the tests the target mean strength at the end of 28 days was 27.6N/mm2. It can be seen that the specimen with fiber rubber gave near target strength. 8. SUMMARY

The paper reported the effect of the incorporation of rubber fiber in various proportions in the place of fine aggregate into a M20 (20 MPa) concrete mix and studied the effect on various properties. The workability also showed a gradual deterioration with the increase in rubber. While the compressive strength, flexural strength and split tensile strength showed a decrease in proportion to the amount of rubber incorporated into the mix. Water absorption as well as density also decreased with the increase in rubber. The study on the effect of immersing the rubber for 20 minutes in 0.1 N NaOH solutions was investigated. The tests revealed an increase in strength upto 18%. Finally applications in the form of tiles were tested with 10% rubber fiber. The tests showed that while there was a loss of strength it was within acceptable limits. However abrasion and shrinkage tests needs to be carried out before any final recommendations. In brief, it is concluded that rubber incorporated concrete has lower strength than normal concrete and it could be used in places where strength required is lower and other properties like impact resistance, acoustic damping etc are required. 9. REFERENCES

1. Eldin, N.N., and Senouci, B.A., Rubbertire particles as concrete aggregate. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Vol. 5, 1993, pp.478-496. 2. Khatib, K.Z. and Bayomy, M.F., Rubberized Portland cement concrete. Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering, Vol. 11, 1999, pp.206-213. 3. Segre, N. and Joekes, I. (2000), Use of Tire Rubber Particles as Addition to Cement paste, Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 30, 2000, pp.1421-1425. 4. IS 383, Specification for coarse and fine aggregate from natural sources for concrete, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India, 1970. 5. IS 10262, Recommended guidelines for concrete mix design, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India, 1982. 6. IS 456, Plain and reinforced concrete- code of practice, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India, 2000. 7. Segre, N., Monterio, P. J. and Sposito, G., Surface characterization of recycled tire rubber to be used in cement paste matrix, Journal of Colloid Interface Science, Vol. 248, 2002, pp.521-523.