Energy Absorption Capacity and Impact Energy of Rubberized Concrete

Abstract

Disposal of used tires is a critical environmental issue in Sri Lanka. Rubberized concrete is one of the solutions introduced by the researchers to minimize the quantity of waste rubber. These studies discovered that rubberized concrete is an ideal alternative for lightweight concrete. However, they further revealed that the compressive strength of concrete degrades with the addition of rubber. Further, the durability of rubberized concrete is still questionable. However, due to the energy absorption capacity of rubber, rubberized concrete have the potential of possessing higher energy absorption capacity.This property of rubberized concrete along with the lightweight will make rubberized concrete an ideal alternative for road barriers. Hence, this study focuses on exploring the static and dynamic energy absorption characteristics of rubberized concrete. Mix designs for grade 25 concrete was done while partially replacing fine aggregate by rubber crumbs at proportions of 5%, 10% and 15%. . The energy absorption due to static loads were measured from plate test and impact energy, energy absorption and shock absorption due to impact loads were calculated from artificial athlete test. The experimental results show that the compressive strength and density of rubberized concrete reduces as the percentage of rubber increase. The low density quality can be used to make lightweight concrete. But significant improvement in shock absorption, Static energy absorption capacity, impact energy and energy absorption capacity can be seen. Due to high energy absorption against dynamic loads, the rebound force get decreased. Therefore rubberized concrete can be used in structures which are prone to impacts to create less impact on the object which collides with the structure. This characteristics make rubber concrete ideal for rigid roadside barriers, foundation pad for machinery, railway buffers and bunkers where the energy and shock absorption more important than the strength.