Development of Multifunctional Concrete Incorporating Recycled Tire Rubber: Influence of Rubber Particle Size on Physical, Thermal, and Acoustic Properties
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study investigates the influence of recycled rubber aggregate particle size derived from waste tires on the physical, thermal, and acoustic performance of self-compacting concrete. Three rubber size classes were considered: fine powder (PR 0/2 mm), rubber sand (SR 0/4 mm), and coarse rubber aggregates (GR 3/7 mm), incorporated at volumetric replacement levels ranging from 5% to 20%. The results show a progressive decrease in density with increasing rubber content. At 20% substitution, density decreased from 2400 kg/m3 for the reference concrete to 2080 kg/m3 for PR (–13%), 2160 kg/m3 for SR (–10%), and 2240 kg/m3 for GR (–7%). Simultaneously, water-accessible porosity increased from 12% in the control mix to 18% for PR, 16% for SR, and 14% for GR. This modification of the pore structure led to significant improvements in thermal performance. Thermal conductivity decreased from 1.75 W/m×K in the control concrete to 1.10 W/m×K for PR (–37%), 1.25 W/m×K for SR (–29%), and 1.35 W/m×K for GR (–23%). In addition, the acoustic absorption potential, estimated using an index based on porosity and density, increased markedly from 0.005 for the control mix to 0.0087 for PR (+74%), 0.0074 for SR (+48%), and 0.0063 for GR (+26%). The findings demonstrate that fine rubber particles promote the development of lightweight concrete with enhanced thermal insulation and acoustic attenuation properties, while coarser particles limit the increase in porosity.
Institutions: Mohammed V University, University of Toronto
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7130412349