Sustainable Performance of Rubberized High-Strength Concrete with Industrial Waste Admixtures

The increasing demand for sustainable and durable construction materials has intensified interest in alternative aggregates and reinforcement methods. This study investigates the behavioral strength characteristics of rubberized fiber-reinforced high-strength concrete (RFRHSC). The research involves partial replacement of cement with 12% metakaolin and sand with 40% copper slag, accompanied by the inclusion of waste tire rubber strips (WTRS) in varying proportions (1% to 5%) as secondary reinforcement. Comprehensive experiments including compressive strength, split tensile, and flexural strength tests were conducted on concrete specimens. Results indicate that while the compressive strength decreased by 3% to 30% with increased WTRS content, the split tensile and flexural strength improved significantly, by up to 32% and 28% respectively. These findings suggest the potential of RFRHSC for structural applications requiring enhanced ductility, especially in seismic zones.