Application of Concrete Pavement Mixed with Crumb Rubber for Sidewalk Construction

Abstract

Currently, the use of crumb rubber as a substitute for sand in concrete mixtures has become an interesting alternative. This study evaluates the potential of using crumb rubber as an ingredient in concrete mixtures to enhance performance and promote sustainability in the construction industry. The research examines the impact of using crumb rubber by studying two variables: partial replacement of sand and reduction of cement content in the concrete mixture. In the first experiment, sand in the concrete was partially replaced with crumb rubber at proportions of 25%, 30%, and 40% of the total sand volume, while maintaining a fixed cement content of 500 kilograms per cubic meter. The second experiment reduced the cement content to 350 kilograms per cubic meter with crumb rubber at proportions of 20%. Both experiments aimed to produce concrete mixtures suitable for sidewalk pavement applications, which do not require high compressive strength. The results show that using crumb rubber effectively reduces sand and cement usage while maintaining acceptable compressive strength, durability, and overall performance for sidewalk construction. By reducing the use of natural sand and utilizing non-biodegradable materials that would otherwise require disposal processes leading to pollution, this test demonstrates the potential for applying such materials as additional components in sidewalk construction.