Impact performance of rubber reinforced concrete with waste steel fibres

This study introduces cementitious composite with rubber granulate and waste steel fibres as a new material for construction industry with an enhanced energy absorption capability and impact toughness. Detailed research on physico-mechanical properties of high-performance concrete with waste steel fibres and partial replacement of the aggregates by rubber granulate was performed, with emphasis on impact energy absorption potential. Different aggregate replacement ratios (0-30% wt.) and fibre amount (0-3% wt.) were investigated. The influence of rubber sizes, rubber content and steel fibre content on the mechanical parameters of the rubberized concrete at both quasistatic and dynamic loads was evaluated and discussed. With increasing amount of rubber granulate, the concrete suffered from reduction of its mechanical parameters - compressive and flexural strength, however the energy dissipation capability showed rising trend. This study demonstrated the potential of rubberized concrete with waste steel fibres for use in structures with higher impact resistance requirements.