TITLE:
Sustainable Solutions for Concrete Power Cable Trenches: Evaluating Pulverized Rubber Tire Waste as a Partial Aggregate Replacement
AUTHORS:
Dominic Wambugu Mwaniki, Tulatia Mungathia, Isaac Fundi Sanewu
KEYWORDS:
Pulverized Rubber Tire Waste, Power Cable Trenches, Sustainable Construction, Aggregate Replacement
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Civil Engineering,
Vol.15 No.1,
February
12,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study investigates the effects of the partial replacement of cement (C) and sand (P) with rubber on the durability and mechanical properties of concrete under acidic environments. Results demonstrate that replacing sand with rubber in small percentages P (3%) improves acid resistance by approximately 2% due to rubber’s chemical inertness, while excessive replacement (for example, P (9%)) weakens compressive strength. Conversely, partial replacement of cement with rubber (for example, C (10%)) significantly reduces durability due to a decline in hydration products critical for strength. Among the tested batches, OP14 achieved the highest composite score of 0.848, balancing compressive and flexural strengths, low water absorption, and excellent durability. OP7 (composite score: 0.746) excelled in workability and strength, with moderate water absorption and durability, while OP13 (composite score: 0.691) offered exceptional durability but higher water absorption. The findings underline the potential of rubber-modified concrete for sustainable construction, recommending optimal proportions to achieve specific performance goals.