Integrating recycled rubber and slag for strength and low carbon footprint in sustainable high-performance concrete

Vijayakumar  Arumugam; 2; 3; 4; 5; Naveen Anbu

doi:10.62638/ZasMat1871

Authors

Vijayakumar Arumugam V.S.B. Engineering College, Department of Civil Engineering, Karur, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0105-9758
Premsudha Rangasamy Akshaya College of Engineering Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3529-4646
Edwin Fernando Packianathan Amalraj Vishnu Lakshmi College of Engineering & Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0005-8497-8077
Arun Raja Lourdu P.S.R. Engineering College, Department of Civil Engineering, Sivakasi, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1400-5454
Siddharth Kannan Hindusthan College of Engineering and Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India Author https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0917-2393
Naveen Arasu Anbarasu CMS College of Engineering and Technology, Department of Civil Engineering, Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, India. Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5708-0086

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62638/ZasMat1871

Abstract

This study investigates the development of sustainable high-performance concrete (HPC) by incorporating Granulated Blast Furnace Slag (GGBS) and recycled rubber powder (RRP) as partial replacements for cement and fine aggregate. The objective is to enhance the mechanical and durability properties of concrete while promoting environmental sustainability. Various concrete mixes were prepared with different percentages of GGBS (10–30%) and RRP (5–15%). Workability was evaluated using slump tests, while compressive, split tensile, and flexural strengths were determined at 7, 14, and 28 days. Durability performance was assessed through Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) and sulphate resistance tests, along with microstructural analysis using SEM. The results indicated that GGBS improves workability, long-term strength, and durability due to pore refinement and additional C–S–H formation. In contrast, RRP reduces strength and workability at higher contents due to weak interfacial bonding. However, moderate incorporation of RRP enhances sustainability without significantly compromising performance. An optimum mix of 20% GGBS and 5% RRP was identified, providing a balanced combination of strength, durability, and eco-friendliness.

Keywords:

Rubber powder, GGBS, Cement, Silica sand, High-performance concrete

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