Assessment of Mechanical and Impact Resistance Properties of Rubberized Concrete After Surface Modification of Rubber Crumb

High-impact resistance and high-impact energy-absorbing capability are the beneficial properties for rubberized concrete in regions where seismic activities are frequent. Compared to standard concrete, rubberized concrete has greater flexibility, impact resistance, and lower unit weight. Waste tire rubber crumb with a content of 0, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%, and a particle size of 0.6-2.36 mm is used to partially replace fine aggregate in concrete. The hardened and microstructural properties, load vs. deflection behavior, pull-off strength, impact resistance, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and electrical resistivity of rubberized concrete are investigated. Sulfuric acid is used for rubber surface treatment, and it is found that this process improves the bonding properties of rubber particles and cement paste compared to untreated rubber particles. The mechanical properties of rubberized concrete reduce by increasing the rubber crumb in the mix. Still, the mechanical properties of 90 days of water-cured concrete increase compared to 28 days of water-cured concrete. Impact resistance of rubberized concrete increases 33.33%, and energy absorption capacity increases 10% at 15% replacement of rubber crumb. Two correlation equations have been established between the split tensile and compressive strength and flexural and compressive strength of concrete: f(st) = 0.776 f(c)(0.39) and f(fs) = 0.652 f(c)(0.5), respectively. The results are not much troubling up to 15% replacement level of rubber crumb, and the rubberized concrete has a high deformable capacity compared to standard concrete. The rubberized concrete is durable, has enough capacity to absorb the impact energy, and can reduce damages due to seismic activities.