Dynamic uniaxial compression properties of self-compacting rubber concrete subjected to different strain rates

Abstract

Rubberised concrete is a type of light, green building material, which is prepared by mixing rubber powder or rubber crumb into ordinary concrete in a certain proportion. Similarly, using vibration-free technology, rubber can be added to self-compacting concrete (SCC) to prepare self-compacting rubber concrete (SCRC). Uniaxial compression tests were carried out on SCRC made with two particle sizes at different strain rates, and the effects of strain rate and rubber content on the dynamic mechanical properties of the SCRC were studied. The microstructure of SCRC specimens before and after damage was analysed. Compared with ordinary SCC, the SCRC was capable of maintaining good integrity during damage when the rubber powder content exceeded 10% and the rubber crumb content exceeded 15%. It was also found that, as the strain rate increased, both the peak stress and the elastic modulus increased, indicating the strain rate enhancement effect; the strain rate effect on the peak strain was not evident. Equations relating peak stress and elastic modulus to the strain rate effect were established, a dynamic damage constitutive model was developed, the damage evolution was analysed and stress intervals were assigned to the various stages of damage evolution.