PROPERTIES OF MORTARS CONTAINING TIRE RUBBER WASTE AND EXPANDED POLYSTYRENE (EPS)

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the application of discarded tire rubber waste and Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) in mortar. For mortars fine aggregate was replaced by 10%, 20% and 30% of rubber and, 7.5% and 15% of EPS. We have verified the consistency, density, amount of air and water retentitivity in fresh state. The compressive strength, water absorption, voids ratio and specific gravity have been also tested in hardened state. The application of rubber powder contributed to the increase in entrained air content and in reducing specific gravity, as well as reducing compressive strength at 28 days. The addition of EPS also contributed to the increase of workability, water absorption and voids ratio, and decreased density and compressive strength when compared to the reference mortar. The use of rubber waste and EPS in mortar made the material more lightweight and workable. The mortars mixtures containing 10% rubber and 7.5% EPS showed better results.