Durability and water absorption behaviour of rubberised concrete incorporating burnt clay brick powder

Abstract

Rubberised concrete has suffered from reduced durability and water absorption performance compared to conventional concrete and its decreased durability is limiting its practical use. To reduce the inferior durability and water absorption performance of rubberised concrete, the inclusion of Burnt Clay Brick Powder (BCBP) partially replacing cement is considered. This paper captures the water absorption properties of rubberised concrete containing BCBP. Durability properties of rubberised concrete incorporating BCBP exposed to sea water and sulphuric acid were also evaluated in comparison with conventional concrete. Specimens were totally submerged in sulphuric acid and sea water in order to investigate the 90-days durability behaviour. These specimens were assessed in relation to strength, mass and diameter losses. Water absorption investigations illustrated that incorporating 5% BCBP in concrete enhanced water absorption performance compared to control concrete. The outcomes of durability tests showed that concrete mixes with 5% BCBP experienced the most excellent behaviour for both exposures. Moreover, the use of BCBP in rubberised concrete seemed to have protected rubberised concrete from experiencing substantial strength, diameter and mass losses. Eventually, the use of BCBP was suggested as a significant criterion that could achieve improved durability and water absorption properties of rubberised concrete.

Keywords

• Durability
• Sea water
• Sulphuric acid
• Rubberised concrete
• Burnt clay brick powder
• Waste tire rubber