Investigations on lightweight concrete prepared by combinations of rubber particles and expanded glass aggregate

Abstract

Lightweight concrete is a very useful building material used in the construction sector for providing better insulation and lower energy consumption. Properties of lightweight aggregate, water-cement ratio, and other additives strongly affect the concrete strength, thermal properties, and workability. This paper investigates the behavior of lightweight concrete using rubber particles as fine aggregate, replaced by the expanded glass lightweight aggregate in the concrete mixture. In the concrete mixture expanded glass aggregate is replaced by rubber particles by 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by mass. Concrete workability, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption tests were examined. Workability and density were increasing by increasing rubber particles replacement percentages in the concrete mixture. On the other hand, compressive strength and flexural strength were decreasing by higher percentages of rubber particles replacement. Strength properties of rubberized concrete can be balanced by the proper utilization of binding materials in the concrete. Rubberized concrete can be used in the construction sector efficiently as partial replacement of lightweight aggregate in the concrete mixture.