Ultimate Load-Carrying Capacity Test of Crumb Rubber Reinforced Concrete Bridge Slab

Abstract

In recent years, a considerable number of studies have investigated the use of ground waste tire rubber as an additive in concrete to enhance its performance, particularly in mitigating fatigue-induced cracking. However, most of these studies have been limited to small-scale specimens or model bridge slabs. To advance the practical application of crumb rubber in real-scale construction, it is essential to evaluate its performance in full scale elements. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the ultimate load-carrying capacity of full-scale reinforced concrete (RC) bridge slabs incorporating ground waste tire rubber. A total of six slab specimens with dimensions of 2.00 × 8.00 × 0.20 meters were constructed. Of these, three slabs were cast with conventional concrete, while the other three were cast with concrete in which 25% of the fine aggregate (by volume) was replaced with ground waste tire rubber. All specimens were subjected to ultimate load testing. The test results revealed that the bridge slabs incorporating crumb rubber concrete (CRC) exhibited an average reduction in ultimate load capacity of approximately 14.40% compared to the conventional concrete slabs. However, the maximum deflections recorded for both slab types were found to be very similar.