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Evaluation of microcracks in the interfacial transition zone of recycled rubber concrete
Author(s) -
Wang Ruijun,
He Xiaoying,
Li Yang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
structural concrete
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.912
H-Index - 34
eISSN - 1751-7648
pISSN - 1464-4177
DOI - 10.1002/suco.201900044
Subject(s) - natural rubber , materials science , composite material , aggregate (composite) , cement , microstructure , particle size , volume fraction , durability , chemical engineering , engineering
This work focuses on the feasibility of recycling waste tire rubber aggregates into recycled concrete. The performance of interface transition zone (ITZ) is a key factor affecting the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The influence of rubber particle size (5–10, 10–20, 20–50, and 50–90 mesh) and volume fraction of rubber aggregate (0, 10, and 20%) on the ITZ of common and rubber aggregate‐cement pastes was studied. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the microstructure of recycled rubber concrete cured at constant temperature and humidity for 28 days. Moreover, the size of microcracks in the ITZ area was evaluated. Results showed that the crack width of the ITZ between the rubber and cement paste (ITZ‐R) and between the ordinary aggregate and cement paste (ITZ‐S) showed similar variation patterns. The addition of 50–90 mesh rubber powder improved the ITZ micro‐crack structure of rubber concrete. Increasing the rubber content and particle size also increased the microcrack width of ITZ. The size of rubber aggregate was the key factor affecting the crack width in ITZ. Finally, the addition of rubber inhibited the hydration degree of cement, reduced the formation of hydration products in ITZ and substantially affected ITZ‐R.