Strength Evaluation of Ordinary Concrete having Crumb Rubber Pre-treated with Caustic Soda and Bleaching Powder Solutions

Abstract

In this study crumb rubber was treated with the solutions of caustic soda (NaOH) and bleaching powder (CaOCl2) for 24-hr before employing in concrete as a partial replacement of sand. The replacement levels were kept at 5% and 10%. Compressive, flexural, and split cylinder strengths of rubberized concrete were investigated. Rubberized concrete was also evaluated in terms of porosity. The incorporation of treated rubberized particles reduced the strength of the end products. The porosity was enhanced by incorporating treated crumb rubber. However, the concrete samples having crumb rubber treated with bleaching powder provided comparatively better results in terms of strength as well as water absorption. The use of crumb rubber for production of rubberized concrete will reduce the environmental hazards posed by burning and dumping of waste tires rubber.