Experimental analysis on properties of M15 and M20concrete brick sample with partial replacement of sand by crumb rubber and coarse aggregate by expanded polystyrene

Abstract

The suitability of crumb rubber and EPS as an alternative to sand and coarse aggregate in concrete production was researched here. Sand and coarse aggregate were partially replaced by crumb rubber and EPS in different percentages like 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% for Grade M20 and M15 concrete samples. The sample of size (240 × 115× 57) mm for M15 and M20 grade of concrete were prepared for the test. Various properties like Compressive strength, Bulk density and water absorption of the concrete brick prepared were determined. The normal consistency, initial and final setting time and compressive strength of cement used for the experiment were determined as 27%, 120 minutes, 290 minutes and 40.34 N/mm2 respectively before carrying out the experiment. The nominal maximum size of sand, coarse aggregate, crumb rubber and EPS used for the preparation of concrete brick sample were found as 2.36 mm, 12.5mm, 2.36 mm and 4.75 mm respectively from the sieve analysis. Impact value of coarse aggregate obtained was 17.06 %. The experimental results showed that water absorption of prepared M15 and M20 concrete brick samples increased whereas compressive strength and bulk density decreased with increase in percentage replacement of sand by crumb rubber and coarse aggregate by EPS. The results obtained from the experiment showed that concrete brick made with partial replacement of sand and coarse aggregate y crumb rubber and EPS respectively had sufficient compressive strength compared to common brick. The research recommended that upto 30% replacement of sand and coarse aggregate by crumb rubber and EPS respectively, the concrete brick so produced could be used for masonry unit in building construction.