A review of Waste Tyre Rubber as an Alternative Concrete Consituent Material

¹ University of the Witwatersrand, School of Environmental and Civil Engineering, Johannesburg, South Africa
² Sol Plaatjie University, Kimberly, South Africa

^* Corresponding author: Kudzai.Mushunje@students.wits.ac.za

Abstract

The current global waste tyre generation far exceeds its consumption in terms of recycling and re-use. The traditional recycling and re-use methods like thermal incineration have proven ineffective, costly and in some cases environmentally unsustainable. Particularly, in developing countries where some of the sophisticated techniques required to process tyres to allow them to be utilised are either too costly or have not yet been developed. The situation has resulted in accumulation of large waste tyre stockpiles that pose health and safety risks. To combat the problem, the use of waste tyre rubber in concrete construction has been proposed. Several studies have been conducted to assess the effects of the inclusion of waste tyre rubber in its different forms (fibres, particles), for concrete production and the results are promising. Although there are some apparent demerits to the inclusion of tyre rubber in concrete, the potential benefits seem to overshadow the negatives. This paper reviews published research on the scientific and technical viability of using waste tyre rubber in concrete production. It discusses the production and properties of waste tyre particles. It highlights advances made with regards to the incorporation of tyre rubber material in concrete, focusing on the engineering properties of the tyre rubber modified concrete. In conclusion, recommendations for future research and possible application for the material will be discussed.