Durability properties of five years aged lightweight concretes containing rubber aggregates

Abstract

Scrap tyres are one of the most important wastes. They can be used in different ways because of their availability and their non-degradable nature. This paper aims to demonstrate their reuse through durability properties experimental assessment of lightweight concretes aged five years, incorporating rubber aggregates as partial replacement of 5%, 7.5% and 10% of coarse/fine and coarse aggregates. The effect of the rubber aggregates on the lightweight concretes durability has been analysed. Firstly, the water absorption was evaluated, and then the mass losses were measured through many tests: freeze-thaw, elevated temperature and attack by Na2SO4 and HCl solutions. Wetting-drying cycles were carried out in order to accelerate the aging of the studied lightweight concretes and to reduce the tests duration. It has been observed that the water absorption decreased with small rubber content. The mass losses of the mixes were almost depending on rubber aggregates content and size, and the exposures duration.