Use of waste rubber granules for the production of concrete paving blocks

Abstract

Worldwide uses of rubber products are increasing every year. A significant proportion of waste rubber is generated during the manufacturing process of rubber products, and the disposal of such waste has been a problem due to the non-degradable complex structure of rubber and categorized as hazardous waste. Therefore, disposal of waste rubber as landfill is considered as environmentally unfriendly. However, waste rubber can be used as a replacement of coarse and fine aggregates in concrete for paving blocks for use roadways and walkways. Previous studies have shown that adding waste rubber increases the skid resistance and decreases abrasion resistance while making it more flexible. However, compressive strength get reduced with the addition of rubber waste. Therefore, further studies are necessary to find a balance between the desired properties and come up with an optimum mix design for rubberized concrete. Most of previous studies are related to use of crumb rubber (waste from rubber tires). Therefore, an attempt has been taken by carrying out an experimental study to develop a mix which gives the required compressive strength with the highest proportion of waste rubber content in the mix to give a value addition to this waste product.