Development of functionally graded concrete using rubber fiber

Abstract

The current study investigates the functionally graded concrete (FGC) prepared using waste rubber tyre fibers as a substitute of fine aggregates (FA) at a uniform 0.45 w/c ratio. FGC is a continuously graded concrete which has diverse properties either in top or bottom portion according to the properties of materials added. Different materials like fly ash, steel fibers, glass granules, crushed granite aggregates, etc., has been utilized by researchers previously to practice FGC. The percentage replacement of rubber fibers used was 0-20% at 5% intervals and 30% to make conventional concrete (CC), rubberized fiber concrete (RFC) and rubberized functionally graded concrete (RFGC). The fresh and hardened properties were executed on the concrete samples for the thorough analysis. Workability, density, compression strength, flexural strength and water permeability tests were conducted on the concrete(s). Flexural strength was observed better for RFC and RFGC than CC. Compression strength and depth of penetration values decreased with the addition of rubber fibers, however, RFGC had better values as compared to RFC. Study concluded that RFGC could be a sustainable approach towards the construction were flexural strength is mainly required. © 2021 Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Switzerland.