Influence of granulated rubber from waste tires on ASR expansion, microstructure, and mechanical properties of mortars

Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka; Dominik Nowicki; Piotr Denis; Magdalena Osial; Alessandro P. Fantilli

doi:10.7409/rabdim.025.018

Published: 2025-09-22

Vol. 24 No. 3 (2025)

Influence of granulated rubber from waste tires on ASR expansion, microstructure, and mechanical properties of mortars

Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka

, Dominik Nowicki

, Piotr Denis

, Magdalena Osial

, Alessandro P. Fantilli

Section: Articles

https://doi.org/10.7409/rabdim.025.018

Abstract

The paper presents the results of research on the effect of partially replacing the sand fraction in cement mortar mixes with granulated rubber (GR) from waste tires on the potential for alkali–silica reaction (ASR) occurrence. ASR is a significant durability issue in cement-based composites, which can lead to substantial expansion and cracking in these materials. The study also analyzed the influence of rubber aggregate on the mechanical properties of mortars, particularly compressive and flexural strength, as well as on the microstructure of the mortars. Additionally, the impact of NaOH on the properties of granulated rubber aggregate was evaluated. Reference mortars were prepared using moderately reactive sand (R1) and highly reactive sand (R3), while in the experimental mixes, rubber aggregate was used as a volumetric replacement for a specific sand fraction at levels of 15% and 30%. ASR-related expansion tests were conducted in accordance with the RILEM AAR-2 guidelines. The results showed that partially replacing sand with rubber aggregate effectively reduced ASR-induced expansion, likely due to the rubber’s ability to absorb stress and restrict moisture migration, thereby mitigating the reaction. However, the use of rubber aggregate also led to a decrease in both compressive and flexural strength, which is a typical effect when introducing elastic materials, such as rubber, into cementitious mixes. The findings highlight the potential of granulated rubber from waste tires recycled as a sustainable additive in cement-based materials to control ASR, especially in structures exposed to aggressive environmental conditions. Additionally, the use of this type of aggregate aligns with the principles of the circular economy by utilizing rubber waste and simultaneously delivering both environmental and performance benefits.

Keywords:

ASR, durability, internal structure, rubber aggregate, waste tire

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Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka, D., Nowicki, D., Denis, P., Osial, M., & Fantilli, A. P. (2025). Influence of granulated rubber from waste tires on ASR expansion, microstructure, and mechanical properties of mortars. Roads and Bridges – Drogi I Mosty, 24(3), 319–330. https://doi.org/10.7409/rabdim.025.018

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Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka

djozwiak@ippt.pan.pl
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3681-0817

Affiliation:

Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, 5b Pawińskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw Poland

Dominik Nowicki

https://orcid.org/0009-0009-7159-7880

Affiliation:

Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, 5b Pawińskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw Poland

Piotr Denis

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1105-3381

Affiliation:

Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, 5b Pawińskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw Poland

Magdalena Osial

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3076-3415

Affiliation:

Polish Academy of Sciences, Institute of Fundamental Technological Research, 5b Pawińskiego St., 02-106 Warsaw Poland

Alessandro P. Fantilli

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0383-7191

Affiliation:

Politecnico di Torino, Department of Structural, Building and Geotechnical Engineering, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino Italy

Influence of granulated rubber from waste tires on ASR expansion, microstructure, and mechanical properties of mortars

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Daria Jóźwiak-Niedźwiedzka

Dominik Nowicki

Piotr Denis

Magdalena Osial

Alessandro P. Fantilli