PHYSICO-MECHANICAL AND THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF SOLID CEMENT BRICKS CONTAINING WASTE TIRE RUBBER

Abstract

Major environmental problems are resulted worldwide from the disposal of worn out tires that are no longer suitable for use in vehicles. Hence, it is essential to reuse/recycle this waste for clean environment. This study aims at investigating the effect of using high percentages of waste tire rubber (up to 40%) as a partial replacement of natural aggregates in the production of solid cement bricks. The characteristics of solid cement bricks including their physical and mechanical properties were determined and results were compared with the relevant standards to investigate the possibility of using this waste in the Egyptian market. In addition, the behavior of bricks after exposure to elevated temperatures and heat/cool cycles was also investigated. There is a great potential for the utilization of scrap tires in the production of solid cement bricks suitable for use as load bearing and non-load bearing units. This innovative application will open a new field for the recycling of considerable amounts of waste tire rubber for cleaner environment.