The Properties Of Cement-Based Materials Containing Rubber

The addition of elastic rubber material into concrete can resist the propagation of the cracks and increase its ability to absorb strain energy and its impact resistance. However the addition of rubber can also lead to a decrease in both compressive and flexural strengths of concrete, therefore rubber concrete is suggested to be used in architectural applications where high strength is not necessary. In order to enlarge the applications of rubber concrete, the workability,mechanical property and durability of mortars and concretes are investigated. To improve the properties of rubber mortar and concrete, admixtures are applied.Workability testing shows that the slump of the concrete decreases with the addition of rubber powder; the admixtures can improve the workability.Mechanical property testing indicates that the compressive and flexural strengths of concretes and mortars are decreased, the elasticity modulus is decreased due to the incorporation of rubber. the addition of admixture can increase the adhesion of rubber and cement paste, so the strength is improved.Durability research indicates that the powder rubber can avoid the opening of the cracks and reduce the dry shrinkage ;with the addition of rubber in concrete, the penetration of chloride into concrete is inhibited and the frost resistance of concrete can be obviously improved.