Mechanical and microstructural assessment of concrete with fine aggregate partially replaced by tire rubber waste

The construction industry is one of the sectors that most intensively exploits natural resources during production; however, it is also one of the largest sectors in terms of waste reuse, offering high potential for sustainability. Concrete, as the most widely consumed material in the world, is responsible for providing stability, strength, and workability to structures. The study of incorporating waste materials into concrete is of great importance, as it enables reuse and reduces environmental impact. Among the most environmentally harmful industrial wastes is rubber derived from end-of-life tires. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of concrete incorporating tire rubber waste. Cylindrical specimens (10 cm × 20 cm) were molded with partial replacement of fine aggregate by 10% and 20% of rubber from end-of-life tires. Physical characterization tests were performed on the rubber waste, conventional aggregates, and cement, as well as physical and mechanical characterization of the concrete containing rubber waste, through axial compressive strength and splitting tensile strength tests. Although the incorporation of rubber waste led to a reduction in mechanical properties with increasing content, the results showed that for an adequate level of replacement, the use of rubberized concrete is feasible for various applications. Additionally, the inclusion of rubber waste imparted desirable properties to the concrete, such as energy absorption capacity and improved flexibility, thereby enhancing the overall performance of the mixture.