Nutchapon Chusai. Development of steel fiber reinforcement in rubberized concrete to enhance pavement performance. Master's degree(Civil Engineering). Chiang Mai University. Library. : Chiang Mai University, 2024.
Development of steel fiber reinforcement in rubberized concrete to enhance pavement performance
Abstract:
The accumulation of waste tires presents significant environmental challenges, and utilizing rubberized concrete (RuC) in rigid pavements offers a sustainable solution by incorporating crumb rubber as a partial replacement for fine aggregates. However, the inclusion of rubber often leads to a reduction in the mechanical properties of concrete, which limits its application in load-bearing structures. This study aims to address these limitations by reinforcing RuC with steel fibers to enhance its mechanical strength and optimize its use in pavement applications. Crumb rubber (1.702.36 mm) was used to replace fine aggregates at varying proportions (10%, 20%, 40%), while steel fibers were added at 0.5% by volume. The physical and mechanical properties, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and flexural strength, were evaluated. Results show that although increasing rubber content reduces the mechanical properties, the addition of steel fibers significantly improves strength, particularly in terms of tensile and flexural capacity. These findings suggest that steel-fiber-reinforced RuC can provide a viable and environmentally friendly alternative to conventional concrete in pavement applications, reducing the reliance on natural aggregates and promoting the use of recycled materials. This study contributes to sustainable construction practices by enhancing the structural performance of RuC, providing a more resilient material for infrastructure development.