Experimental Investigation of the Stress–Strain Behavior and Strength Characterization of Rubberized Reinforced Concrete

Due to the rapid increase in population, the use of automobile vehicles increases day by day, which causes a considerable increase in the waste tires produced worldwide. Research studies are in progress to utilize scrap tires and waste rubber material in several fields to cater the pollution problems in a sustainable and environmentally friendly manner. In this research, the shredded waste tires were used in concrete to replace fine aggregates in different percentages. The fine aggregates in the rubberized concrete were replaced 10%, 15%, and 20% by rubber. The stress-strain behavior of the concrete models is then determined and compared with the already established analytical models, i.e., Modified Kent and Park Model, Mander's model, and Razvi and Saatcioglu Model. A total of 12 standard concrete cylinders and 18 models of each type of concrete, i.e., normal concrete, reinforced rubberized concrete with 10%, 15%, and 20% addition of rubber, were fabricated. Specimens fabricated in each replacement of rubber were laterally confined, employing 3 in (76 mm) and 6 in (152 mm) c/c tie spacing. The model and cylinders were subjected to uni-axial compression tests using Universal Testing Machine (UTM). The drop in compressive strength, stress-strain constitutive law, strain limits, and overall behavior of the rubberized reinforced concrete were explored experimentally. The results were then compared with the analytical results of the established models. The research can help explore the possible future for the use of rubberized concrete for the potential application as a structural material.