Study on Crumb Rubber Fine Aggregate on

Properties of Concrete
Student Name, M.Tech Scholar, Department of XXXX Engineering, XXX XXXX of Engineering & Technology Lucknow, India.
Guide Name, Assistant Professor, Department of XXXXX Engineering, XXX XXXX of Engineering & Technology Lucknow, India

Abstract— Concrete is the most widely used construction material in civil engineering. The most important resources used in
concrete is cement and aggregates along with supplementary cementitious materials. Due to this there is an increasing demand for
the aggregates used for the production for the concrete. On the other hand, the utilization of these natural resources emerges as a
growing concern for shielding the environment and to preserve the resources by using substitute materials (waste materials).
Hence, the research focuses towards the use of recycled tyre (rubber crumb) by substituting fines.
The waste generated from the disposal of tyres, i.e., waste rubber, rubber products, and angle scrap is very high in volume raising
serious environmental concerns. The disposal of this waste has become an environmental concern that needs to be attended to as
quickly as possible. The effect of partial replacement of waste fine crumb rubber with sand are investigated on the cement
concrete specimens. Due to the wide use of concrete in construction, the application of crumb rubber as a material of concrete
would provide an efficient way of disposing the enormous amount of waste that is generated from scrap tyres. In this study,
concrete with crumb rubber replacement 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15% is adopted. The objective of this paper is to establish the
applicability of crumb rubber as a promising substitute to fine aggregate in conventional concrete. The potential advantage of
using the crumb rubber in concrete is revealed through the tests such as compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural
strength. Even though the compressive strength of concrete is reduced to some extent in comparison to conventional concrete by
replacing the crumb rubber by fine aggregate but the results showed a substantial increase compared to target compressive
strength until 6% replacement.
Index Terms—Silica fume, Fine aggregate, Rubber crumb concrete, Waste materials

I. INTRODUCTION
Concrete which is widely used construction material is increasing day by day and the use of main constituents such as
Cement, Sand, and Coarse aggregate consumption is also increasing simultaneously. One of the global problems is the
anthropogenic CO2 emission is originated from cement production which poses 5% of environmental pollution [1]. On the
other hand, health hazards and difficulty in land filling also creates increased environmental effects due the large generation
of waste rubber. The illegal dumping of waste rubber and the high cost of disposal pose a huge threat to the environment [2].
The flexibility and ductility of concrete is enhanced due to the addition of crumb rubber to the concrete as a replacement to
fine aggregate which nullifies the above problem [3, 4]. More research work has been carried out by the researchers mainly
to use recycled tyres by made into fine particles known as crumb rubber to mix into the cementitious based materials like
concrete [5–7]. Previous experimental studies in crumb rubber aggregate concrete showed increase in its performance
through ductility, impact, toughness, and reduced damping [8–10]. However, the results indicate that there is reduction in
mechanical properties such as compression, tension, and modulus of elasticity [11, 12]. The interface adhesion between
rubber and cement particles is very poor due to the smooth surface of the rubber particles is the main reason for the strength
reduction [13, 14]. Studies by different researchers show that there is an enhancement of elastic behavior while using crumb
rubber in concrete but on the other hand there is a reduction in compressive strength. The various research articles indicate
that rubber mixed with concrete will enhance the deformability and durability [15]. The strain capacity of concrete improves
the macro-crack localization when crumb rubber is used in the concrete [16].
The concrete with crumb rubber replacement (five replacement ratios are preferred 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15%) is proposed in this
study. This research focusses on the mechanical properties and the density of concrete with crumb rubber. Wong and Ting
[17] have studied the properties of high-strength concrete after replacing the amount of total aggregates by 25% of rubber
aggregates and rubber chips. Normal and High Strength Concrete which had rubber aggregate in it has shown gradual ductile
failure when subjected to high loads, whereas the conventional normal and high-strength concrete suffered a sudden brittle
failure [18]. After partially replacing the fine aggregate, the concrete has been tested for Compressive Strength, Split Tensile
Strength, and Flexural Strength. The durability properties of concrete were also studied. The various results obtained after
performing the required tests were interpreted and analyzed.

II.LITERATURE REVIEW
The use of scrap tyre in the use of civil engineering applications was started in the year 1970 [14]. The rubber can be used in
many applications in civil engineering such as lightweight materials, reduced density of concrete, as an insulation material in
blocks, filling in the embankments or even sometimes used as a replacement material for soil. These applications of crumb
rubber have been discussed in this chapter in four phases. In the first phase, literatures pertaining to use of industrial wastes
such as copper slag, crushed stone aggregate, quarry dust, marble dust, M Sand for their fractional standby has been
discussed. In second phase, it has been focused towards the study of crumb rubber aggregate in concrete and subsequently
their use in paver block and foamed concrete. In fourth phase, the literature study oriented towards the applications of crumb
rubber in walls and abutments, light weight fills, road pavement and road construction.
Sanjeev Kumar (2016) has investigated on property studies on concrete contaning quartz aggregate [20], consisting of high
resistance to all types of weathering. The quartz is used as partial replacement for coarse aggregate in concrete without

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effecting the strength parameters. The quartz is used in different percentage between 0-100% it is also multiplies of 20%.
Without effecting the strength parameters, the quartz stone acne be used up to 40%. Replacement level of quartz sandstone
increases, then the density of the concrete decreases compares to conventional concrete. For all the percentage addition of
quartz stone with w/c ratio 0.35 and 0.40, 38.25 N/mm2strength was achieved. The optimum water cement ratio is 0.45 till
40% substitution. An increase in quartz sand stone content decrease its flexural strength due to the weaker tensile strength of
quartz sand stones compared to the conventional concrete resulting in lesser strength towards flexibility. To high abrasion
resistance, hard surface material with low porosity and high strength was used. quartz is not harder than normal aggregate.
Increase in the quartz content resulted in an increase in its porosity. But increase in wear is due the increase in amount of
quartz sand stone aggregate.
Bismark K. Meisuh (2018), focused on the effect on flexural strength of concrete from quarry rock dust [22].Quarry dust is
replaced with different percentage such as 0%, 25%, 100%. The compressive strength of concrete ranging from 25 N/mm2
to 47 N/mm2. From results, flexibilitywere 2% and 4.3%with 25% and 100% quarry dust, respectively. Its flexural strength
improves on incorporating quarry dust. Compare to conventional river sand the flexural strength for quarry dust is about
4.3% which is higher. Normally the flexural will be approximately 10-15% of its compressive strength of concrete, among
all the proportions or percentages (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) the optimum replacement is 25%. Different percentages
achieved different compressive strength i.e. 24.49, 27.91, 24.4, 21.33, 19.40 N/mm2. The mixes were designed in such a way
that, it should achieve five target strength and slump value between 0-180 mm quarry has well mechanically and durability
properties, Higher flexural strength can be achieved by using quarry dust.
Agarwal (2019) has focused on the impact of geopolymer based fly ash replacing the natural river sand on the properties of
concrete, mechanical and physical properties have been carried out [24]. The geopolymer sand will give better compressive
strength compared over conventional river sand concrete. The results showed that geo polymer concrete will show good
durability properties compare to the conventional concrete. Positive results were given on complete use of geopolymerssand
in concrete. Geopolymer with fly ash sand has specific gravity of 1.89 and high water absorption. Their compressive strength
at curing periods of 1, 3, 7, 28, 56 and 90 days are 9.14, 14.71, 18.12, 28.94, 38.78 and 42.9 MPa. The compressive strength
of fly ash added with geopolymer was 76.66% of the river sand concrete on the first day, for 28 days was 81.75% and
gradually increased up to 97.32% by 90 days. The results of split tensile strength and flexural strength were noted for curing
periods of 28, 56 and 90 days with 2.35, 2.99, 3.4 and 2.42, 2.93 and 3.31 MPa, respectively.
Krishna Rao (2016) has investigated on the effect on abrasion resistance of roller compacted concrete with GGBS by M-
sand.GGBS was moderately replaced from 0% to 60%. For ground granulated blast furnace flexural strength of 5 MPa was
achieved. Different combinations of mixtures have been carried out. Increase in the content of GGBS, the surface abrasion
weight loss increases. M-sand helps the increase the abrasion resistance of GRCC. Increase in the percentage of cement
partially with GGBS will leads to decrease the strength, with the increase in days, the strength in days, the strength is
increased by 50% as compared to conventional concrete. GGBS helps to attain later strength of concrete when M-sand is
used in mixture; the rising rate of strength is higher.It plays a role for achieving strength due to the cubical shaped particle
and proper packing. With increase in the curing age, the abrasion resistance of roller compacted concrete was also increased
with three different combinations. A cantabro test is one of the method to measure the abrasion resistance for roller
compacted concrete pavements. The tests gave better results for the abrasion resistance.
Omid Rezaifar (2016) has investigated on concrete made with hybrid blends of crumb rubber and metakolin . The study
concentrated to optimize the concrete by using waste material crumb rubber along with metakolin. The fine aggregates and
cement were partially replaced by crumb rubber and metakolin, respectively. The experimental tests were designed by
response surface method. With increase in the rubber content, the compressive strength of concrete decreases. But increase
in the crumb rubber content water absorption decreases about 9% of volume but increased when the crumb rubber content
exceeds the ratio. The results show that the optimum mixture can be achieved with 3.3% vol replacement of sand with crumb
rubber. And replacement of cement with metakolin, got the optimum mixture of 19.5 vol%. For 10%, 20% and 30% crumb
rubber replacement the strength decreased about 17.34 and 51%. The combination of metakolin and crumb rubber has low
compressive strength with optimum 22% of metakolin. Increase in the rubber content, the water absorption decreased about
5.5% metakolin helps in reducing water absorption. Use of metakolin in concrete increases the unit weight of concrete.
Matteo Pettinari (2015), worked on road pavement for which the effect of gradation of crumb rubber was studied. The
investigation has focused on workability and compatibility properties. The recycled mixture failed to get compacted and
there was a great effect on its mechanical properties. Usage of more than 3% of volume, will leads to decrease in workability
and increases the self-compaction. Based upon traditional ambient rubber crumb’s gradation, the volume will change. When
the gradation of traditional ambient rubber crumb’s is smaller than the lower is the variation in volume. Later, the increase in
volume depends upon the amount of rubber adopted. Study of voids in aggregates and those filled with liquids has been
carried out for optimizing the workability. Depending upon the quantity and rubber gradation, mechanical properties are
reliant. If equal amount of rubber is used, then the sample will contain finer gradation representing their higher values. When
the amount of rubber crumbs were increased, there was decrease in its ITS as well as ITSM.
Manish Awana and Chandan Kumar (2017) has tentatively concentrated the cell light weight square utilizing fly slag. The
execution of cell lightweight cement in term of thickness and compressive quality are examined. The augmentations of void
all through the example caused by the froth in the blend brings down the thickness. Subsequently, compressive quality will
likewise diminish with the additions in void. As quality expands its thickness likewise with additions. The test outcome
demonstrates that the compressive quality of supplanting blend with 1% froth is higher than of 1.4% froth. Compressive
quality of blend with 1.2% froth is marginally higher than that of 1.4% froth. In this trial, two evaluations of concrete, for
example, 53 and 43 review bond are utilised. Compressive quality of 53 review concrete is somewhat higher than 43 review
bond.

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Due to rapid growth and urbanization, the construction of buildings and industries are increasing day by day. As the
construction of structures involves utilization of the construction materials at a higher rate, they are getting depleted and
engineers are facing the shortage. Various attempts have been made to replace the sand which is the conventional fine
aggregate material being used since decades. The alternative materials that are in use are scrap wastes, unused rubber,
hollow blocks, crumb rubber, etc. In order to avoid the loss in mechanical behaviors, some part of rubber is controlled from
concrete. From the literature study, it is clear that increase in supplementary cementitious Materials alters the structural
properties of the crumb rubber concrete and the studies pertaining to it is limited. Studies on concrete with crumb rubber
require analysis of flexural performance, impact strength and durability. The previous studies focused on the use of crumb
rubber in road construction mixed with bitumen but the studies focused towards the study of use of crumb rubber with partial
replacement of fine aggregate in concrete with supplementary cementitious materials and the durability studies is found to be
scanty. Hence, in this study, an attempt is made to study the effect of crumb rubber fine aggregate on properties of concrete
produced with partial replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber at various proportions.

III. METHODOLOGY
The methodology of the research is divided into three phases. In the first phase the use of crumb rubber and their
applications, study on the property of the material used, its mix design for M30 and M40 grades, focused towards
mechanical and durability properties of crumb rubber concrete. In the second phase, the work focused towards the study of
the mechanical properties such as compression, split tension, elastic modulus, impact test and flexural test. In the third phase
of the work, the study focused towards RCPT, acid attack, water absorption and other properties such as UPV and Rebound
hammer test. The research methodology is exposed in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Methodology of the research

IV. RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

The results obtained after investigating the concrete properties with crumb rubber mixture have been discussed. Further, the
results for split tension, compression, elastic modulus, flexibility, impact strength, RCPT, Acid Attack, Water absorption test
are presented.
 Fresh Concrete Properties
A newly prepared mixture that can be molded into any form is called as a fresh concrete or plastic concrete. Cement amount,
aggregates (fines, crumb rubber and coarse aggregate) and water along with super plasticizer influence the concrete
properties in both the states. The fresh concrete properties such as density and workability are required to judge the whether
the concrete is compaction is good and flow ability is within the threshold limits.
1. Concrete Density
The density of concrete cubes obtained after 28 days of normal water curing is used for the analysis. Their result is shown in
Table 1. When compared with normal concrete, it is clear that, combination of crumb rubber and concrete (15%), the density
of concrete is reduced by 12.5% in 30 grade concrete. rubber mix. From the test results, similar reduction in density was also
recorded when crumb rubber addition 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% to the concrete as the percentage reduction recorded was 3.3%,
5.3%, 7.7% and 10.3%. In the second mix of 40 grade concrete by adding crumb rubber to concrete (15%) the density of
concrete is reduced by 12.9% on comparison with normal mix. Those with crumb rubber, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12% replacement
density was reduced by3.8%, 5.7%, 8% and 10.6% when compared to conventional grade concrete.
The decreased density of concrete is achieved on replacement of crumb rubber because its specific gravity is as low as 1.10
when compared to that of fines (2.65). Density of the modified one is reduced because fine aggregate is 2.4 times higher than
the crumb rubber. Results obtained from investigation are presented in Figure 2 and 3 which also clearly depicts the relative
decrease in percentage of density reduction of concrete in comparison with the conventional one of the respective category.

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 Table 1: Effect of crumb rubber on the density of concrete
Percentage of Reduction in density
Mix W/B Ratio Density (kg/m3)
Crumb rubber (%)
CR30 0% 0.44 2410 -
CR30-1 3% 0.44 2329 3.3
CR30-2 6% 0.44 2280 5.3
CR30-3 9% 0.44 2223 7.7
CR30-4 12% 0.44 2160 10.3
CR30-5 15% 0.44 2108 12.5
CR40 0% 0.42 2425 -
CR40-1 3% 0.42 2332 3.8
CR40-2 6% 0.42 2286 5.7
CR40-3 9% 0.42 2230 8.0
CR40-4 12% 0.42 2166 10.6
CR40-5 15% 0.42 2112 12.9

Figure 2: Comparison of density of different concrete mix in M30 grade concrete

Figure 3: Comparison of density of different concrete mix in M40 grade concrete

The chief cause for reduced density is to reduce the self-weight of the structure, possibility of faster pace of construction and
thereby reducing the transportation and their costs. When there is rise in the dead load of structure, the loads acting on the
foundation will also increase which will pose a problem to the medium rise structures resting on weak soils. If floor slab and
beams in a framed structure are made up of concrete with reduced density and walls are made up of foamed concrete with
crumb rubber will lead to a considerable economy. Hence, the use of crumb rubber in the concrete reduces the density of
concrete thereby use of this light weight material in concrete will provide all the benefits as mentioned.
2. Workability
For achieving highest strength, a good compaction (100%) is one of the important parameters. A general water-binder ratio
calculated from the mix design considerations is not providing an ideal situation for to achieve higher strength. Higher water
binder is required to completely compact and lubricate the concrete. It is done to prevent segregation. As a result of which,
workable concrete is obtained. The term workability and consistency seems to sound same but, they widely vary from each
other.
Road Research laboratory, U.K., extensively studied the field of compaction and workability, defined workability as “the
property of concrete which determines the amount of useful internal work necessary to produce full compaction”. Another
definition which envelopes a wider meaning is that, it is defined as the “ease with which concrete can be compacted hundred
per cent having regard to mode of compaction and place of deposition”. Workable concrete can be termed as a concrete
which displays a small internal resistance between the particles to counteract the resistance caused due to steel reinforcement
with a slight compaction.

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For performing slump test, a cone frustum was placed upon steel plate. Concrete was equally distributed in 3 layers by
giving 25 blows each .Excess concrete on top of slump cone is removed using the trowel. The slump cone is directly raised
in vertical plumb and the slump is measured by measuring the distance between base and tip point. The slump is then
recorded as zero, true, shears or collapsed. Table 2 displays slump test outcomes for different concrete mixes containing
crumb rubber.
Table 2: Workability of concrete with crumb rubber (Slump test)
Mix Crumb rubber % W/B Ratio SP(l/m3) Slump (mm)
CR30 0% 0.44 3.3 60
CR30-1 3% 0.44 3.3 65
CR30-2 6% 0.44 3.3 70
CR30-3 9% 0.44 3.3 74
CR30-4 12% 0.44 3.3 82
CR30-5 15% 0.44 3.3 90
CR40 0% 0.42 3.7 57
CR40-1 3% 0.42 3.7 60
CR40-2 6% 0.42 3.7 65
CR40-3 9% 0.42 3.7 72
CR40-4 12% 0.42 3.7 75
CR40-5 15% 0.42 3.7 84
During placing and compacting the crumb rubber concrete the rubber aggregates tend to appear on the finished surface of the
concrete was noticed showing that the rubber aggregates have the tendency to arise out of the concrete during vibration due
to lower density of the crumb rubber. The crumb rubber concrete mix does not have much difficult in the relation to the
concrete mixing, casting, finishing and final placement of the concrete when compared to the plain concrete.
 Hardened Concrete Properties

Their characteristics play a major role for confirming strength, also quality of any concrete. The test methods used to
ascertain the strength of the concrete is generally simple such as compression, split tension, impact and flexure. The main
purpose of testing the hardened concrete is to check the concrete casts at site have achieved the required strength. The test
results of the hardened concrete are known even at a later stage (28 days) it aids in unveiling concrete quality and make some
changes in future.
1. Compressive Strength
The stress required to rupture a material is called as strength. Compression with different batches with varying quantity of
crumb rubber at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days for M30 and M40 is represented as Table 4.3.When fines are substituted from rubber
crumbs(3%) compression is increased by 8% and the further increase by 6% the compressive strength remains same as the
controlled concrete. By further increase in crumb rubber upto 9%, 12% and 15% the compressive strength is decreased by
8%, 14% & 19% respectively. This did not affect strength on the crumb rubber concrete but compression generally
increases. At 28 days, there was reduction in compressive strength by 14%Pelisser et al when the replacement of 10% sand
aggregate by using conventional recycled tire rubber and rubber modified using the alkaline activation and silica fume
addition to improve the mechanical properties.
The results obtained matched with Ali I Tayeh et al and Zhigang Zhang et al. It can interpret from the result that by adding
crumb rubber in concrete by more than 6% by replacing fine aggregate reduces compression. Reduction in w/c ratio causes
increase in strength. Results were also in line with Yumping Xi where pretreatment of silica fume (8%) on the rubber
particles has improved the properties.
Compression results obtained by the experimental investigation are also depicted in Figure 4 and 5 which clearly shows the
variation of strength reduction in concrete.

Table 3: Variation in compressive strength of concrete with replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber
Compressive Strength, MPa
Mix Crumb Variation in 28 days
Designation rubber % 7 Days 14 Days 21 Days 28 Days Strength

CR30 0% 25.2 30.5 36.3 37.1 -

CR30-1 3% 26.5 31.3 37.4 40 8
CR30-2 6% 25.8 30.3 36.1 37.4 0.08
CR30-3 9% 25.3 29.3 33.2 35.3 -4.8
CR30-4 12% 23.6 25.4 27.4 29.3 -21
CR30-5 15% 20.2 22.3 25.5 27.5 -25.87
CR40 0% 30.3 43.1 45.2 46 -
CR40-1 3% 31.6 44.2 48 49.7 8.04
CR40-2 6% 29.9 42.3 44.1 46 0.08
CR40-3 9% 29.7 37.3 38.9 42.3 -8.04
CR40-4 12% 29.6 35.2 37.2 39.1 -14.5

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 CR40-5 15% 27.3 32.9 35.8 37.1 -19.3

Figure 4: Compressive strength variation in M30 grade concrete with replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber

Figure 5: Compressive strength variation in M40 grade concrete with replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber
2. Split Tensile Strength of Concrete
For this test, the specimens were cast using concrete cylinders of dimensions 100mm × 200mm. The test was conducted as
per the standards laid down in IS 5816-1999. The test results obtained (7, 21, 28 days) is provided in Table 4.

Figure 6: Split tensile strength variation in M30 grade concrete with replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber
Table 4: Variation in split tensile strength of concrete with replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber
Compressive Strength, MPa
Mix Crumb Variation in 28 days
Designation rubber % 7 Days 21 Days 28 Days Strength

CR30 0% 2.63 3.1 3.6 -

CR30-1 3% 2.9 3 3.9 8.33
CR30-2 6% 3 3.1 4.2 2.77
CR30-3 9% 2.7 2.55 3.5 -2.77
CR30-4 12% 2 2.4 2.9 -19.44
CR30-5 15% 1.9 2.2 2.8 -22.22
CR40 0% 2.87 3.57 4.2 -
CR40-1 3% 3.1 4 4.7 12
CR40-2 6% 3.15 3.86 4.9 8.33
CR40-3 9% 2.80 3.61 4.4 2.38
CR40-4 12% 2.6 2.63 3.2 -23.8
CR40-5 15% 2.1 2.28 3 -28.5

The results show that by adding 3 – 6% of crumb rubber in concrete by replacing fine aggregate has enhanced the strength
by 3.9 – 4.2 % in M30 grade concrete and 4.7 – 4.9% in M40 grade concrete. The results were also in similar trend to
Gideon Momanyi Siringi where he has replaced crumb rubber by 7.5% and 15% . The split tensile strength results obtained
by the experimental investigation are also depicted in Figure 6 and 7 which clearly shows the variation of strength reduction
in concrete. The test setup with cylindrical specimen arrangement for split tensile strength test and the specimen failure
mode during the split tension test on the cylinder is shown in Figure 8 and 9.

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 Figure 7: Split tensile strength variation in M40 grade concrete with replacement of fine aggregate by crumb rubber

Figure 8: Specimen arrangement for split tension test of crumb rubber concrete

Figure 9: Specimen failure in split tension test

The relationship between compressive strength and split tensile strength of concrete shows a positive correlation which
depicts strength declination when there is an addition of rubber content as shown in Figure 10 and 11.

Figure 10: Correlation between the compressive strength and split tensile strength of M30 grade concrete with and without
crumb rubber

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 Figure 11: Correlation between the compressive strength and split tensile strength of M40 grade concrete with and without
crumb rubber
 Durability Test

Generally, concrete is considered as a durable material requiring little maintenance. This statement is largely proven to be
correct excluding while not exposed to vicious atmospheres. The buildings that are built in extremely contaminated
engineering areas, coastal surroundings and some locations where concrete construction is found to be nondurable. Hence
durability studies related to chloride penetration, acid attack, water absorption and ultrasonic pulse velocity is of paramount
importance.
1. Rapid Chloride Ion Penetration Test
When concrete permeability is high then the concrete is subjected to damage produced by the infiltration of the solutions.
Hence, it is important to note the permeability of the chloride ion infiltration into the concrete to ascertain the quality of
concrete.
Table 5: RCPT test results of crumb rubber concrete
Chloride
Chloride Permeability (as 56 Days
Mix ID 28 Days (C) Permeability (as
per ASTM C 1202) (C)
per ASTM C 1202)
CR30 1075 Low 960 Very Low
CR30-1 985 Very Low 955 Very Low
CR30-2 962 Very Low 915 Very Low
CR30-3 950 Very Low 900 Very Low
CR30-4 932 Very Low 865 Very Low
CR30-5 910 Very Low 855 Very Low
CR40 1045 Low 955 Very Low
CR40-1 978 Very Low 946 Very Low
CR40-2 956 Very Low 910 Very Low
CR40-3 942 Very Low 890 Very Low
CR40-4 924 Very Low 850 Very Low
CR40-5 895 Very Low 845 Very Low

The results show that for concrete with crumb rubber from 3 – 15% yielded very low value for 28 and 56 days for both the
grades of concrete (M30 and M40) as per as per ASTM C 1202 as shown in Table 5.

2. Water Absorption Test

The results obtained after performing the test are presented below in Table 6. It is clear that, the addition of crumb rubbers in
concrete has considerably raised the absorption capacity. Adding it by 3 – 9% in both the mixes the water absorption is less
than 2%. The water absorption got slightly increased above 2% when crumb rubber of 12 – 15% is added to concrete in both
the mixes is due to the fact that the crumb rubber has natural tendency to absorb the water.
Table 6: Water absorption test results in Crumb Rubber Concrete
Mix ID Water absorption (%)
CR30 1.39
CR30-1 1.47
CR30-2 1.78
CR30-3 1.95
CR30-4 2.20
CR30-5 2.65
CR40 1.23
CR40-1 1.36
CR40-2 1.58
CR40-3 1.75
CR40-4 2.20
CR40-5 2.45

3. Acid Attack Test

On adding rubber crumbs, there was reduction in weight as shown in Table 7. This means that, it was maximum for
specimens without crumb rubber and least weight loss when 15% of crumb rubber was added to the concrete. On 15%
rubber crumb replacement at 28 days, extreme loss of weight (2.45%) with 15% crumb rubber (1.98%) for M30 grade of
concrete. The trend was similar for the grade of concrete (M40). To prevent cracks and separation of materials, rubber
crumbs were added to hold the particles. The results obtained was found similar to the one obtained by SofiA(2018) where
they have used 20% of replacement crumb rubber in concrete.

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 Table 7: Weight loss and water absorption of acid attacked specimens
Mix ID Water absorption (%) Loss in weight, %
CR30 1.62 2.45
CR30-1 1.69 2.36
CR30-2 1.80 2.25
CR30-3 2.10 2.11
CR30-4 2.15 2.00
CR30-5 2.72 1.98
CR40 1.51 2.40
CR40-1 1.60 2.31
CR40-2 1.69 2.19
CR40-3 1.90 2.04
CR40-4 2.10 1.94
CR40-5 2.30 1.87

V. CONCLUSION
The research has been carried out to study the optimum use of crumb rubber in concrete without adversely affecting concrete
strength and for studying its properties because of introduction of these materials. The results show that the small amounts of
crumb rubber in the range of 6 – 9% can be used as a substitute for fine aggregate in M30 and M40 grades of concrete.
 The compressive strength of concrete (M30 and M40) is increased 8% with the addition of 3% crumb rubber and
further addition of rubber crumb up to 6% shows same compression as controlled concrete and then on both the
grades there is a strength reduction in crumb rubber concrete it may be due to the contribution of entrapped air,
which rises on rise in rubber crumb.
 The split tensile strength of M30 and M40 grade rubber crumb concrete shows the increase in strength of 3.9- 4.2%
and 4.7-4.9% by adding 3 – 6% of crumb rubber in concrete. Further addition shows the decrease in value similar to
compressive strength. However the results of flexural strength characteristic study on crumb rubber concrete,
flexibility rises on addition of it until 9% of crumb rubber and then starts to decline.
 The water absorption got slightly increased above 2% when crumb rubber of 12 – 15% is added to concrete in both
the mixes (M30 and M40) is due to the fact that the crumb rubber has natural tendency to absorb the water.
 While experimenting the crumb rubber concrete for acid attack, the concrete with crumb rubber 15% replacement at
28 days, maximum and minimum loss of weight was found to be2.45% and 1.98% for M30 grade of concrete.
 The RCPT test results show that for the addition of crumb rubber in concrete with 3 – 15% by partially replacing
with fine aggregate yielded a very low value for 28 and 56 days as per ASTM C 1202 for both the grades of
concrete (M30 and M40).
 The crumb rubber concrete paver block satisfies the strength characteristics and the IRC requirements, hence it can
be used to construct the concrete paver block road.
 The Paver block cast as per the IRC requirements revealed the compressive strength higher when compared with
the compressive strength of concrete cube. There is a reduction in strength with the increase in crumb rubber
content was observed similar to the crumb rubber concrete.
 The density of fresh paver block normally decreases by increasing the quantity of crumb rubber is due to lower
specific gravity of crumb rubber. Similarly, the crumb rubber also increases the air content hence this attribute to
the reduction in the density of the paver block. The non-polar and rough nature of rubber particles tends to entrap
the air in their surfaces.
 Studies show that utilization of crumb rubber as construction materials decreases stack piles of tires and minimize
the depletion natural resources of river sand.

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