Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065

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Materials and Design

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Experimental investigation of some fresh and hardened properties

of rubberized self-compacting concrete
_
Ilker Bekir Topçu, Turhan Bilir *
Eskisßehir Osmangazi University, Department of Civil Engineering, 26480 Eskisßehir, Turkey

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: In this study, the usage of ground elastic wastes such as rubber in SCC is investigated. Rubber has
Received 2 July 2008 replaced aggregates at the contents of 60, 120 and 180 kg/m3 in SCC by weight. Four different mixture
Accepted 10 December 2008 proportions have been prepared. Moreover, 24 series have been produced by using six different viscosity
Available online 16 December 2008
agents in both SCC and rubberized self-compacted concrete (RSCC). By using these agents, it is attempted
to see the effects of them on the properties of RSCC. Fly ash (FA) is used as filler material. The slump–flow,
Keywords: V-funnel, compressive strength, high temperature and freezing–thawing resistances of RSCC have been
Composites
compared to the properties of ordinary SCC. At the end, it is observed that increase in RA content leads
Concrete
Elastomers and rubber
to increase in fresh properties of RSCC such as workability because of the existence of viscosity agents in
mixtures. It decreases the hardened properties such as compressive strength and durability. However, the
different viscosity agents can provide appropriate results for RSCC containing the same rubber aggregate
(RA) content and the hardened properties of RSCC are better than the properties of ordinary concrete
even if they are lower than the ones of SCC.
Ó 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

1. Introduction compacted, however, this time, the amount of capillarity pores

Along with the development of ready-mixed concrete industry
throughout the world, other industries have also shown progress
related to this industry. One of the most important of them is the
admixture sector. Concrete has gained improved properties with
chemical and mineral admixtures. By the way, workability is de-
fined in terms of the amount of mechanical work, energy required
to produce full compaction of the concrete without segregation [1].
If concrete is workable, it can be transported and poured easily
without leading to segregation. It can also be cast, placed, com-
pacted and finished easily without causing any void in fresh con-
crete. Herein, water content to obtain desired consistency in
fresh concrete is an important parameter to produce workable con-
crete. Consistency is determined in terms of flow and increasing
water content cause increase in flow. The concrete which flows
can also be easily cast and placed into formworks [1,2]. If the water
content is low, the concrete cannot be transported, poured, cast,
placed and compacted without segregation due to the lack of water
for lubricating the particles [2]. Therefore, the amount, the distri-
bution, the shapes and the sizes of voids in concrete may change
and the compressive strength of concrete may decrease [1–3]. If
the water content is high, concrete can be easily cast and
* Corresponding author. Tel.: +90 222 239 3750; fax: +90 222 239 3613.
E-mail address: tbilir@ogu.edu.tr (T. Bilir).
and permeability may increase due to higher water–cement ratio.
Naturally, the compressive strength and the durability of concrete
decrease likewise the low water content case. Even if desired con-
sistency or water demand is satisfied, the inelaborate transporting,
pouring, casting, placing, compacting and curing can also lead to
decreased hardened concrete properties. In this manner, all these
processes have to be carefully achieved during concrete production
by skilled workers [3,4]. After all, the potential for segregation and
loss of entrained air void can be said as the main problems in con-
crete production [3].
Most of the problems such as mentioned above encountered by
ready-mixed concrete producers and consumers during the pour-
ing, casting, placement, compacting and finishing processes have
been solved by using such admixtures. Before the usage of chemi-
cal admixtures in concrete, concrete mixture had high water–ce-
ment ratios in order to develop the workability of concrete. This
application has reduced the quality of concrete. At the early
1970s, it is known that concrete requiring little vibration or com-
paction has begun to be used in Europe [4]. Besides, the plasticizers
or super plasticizers such as lignosulfonate and potassium carbon-
ate to increase the workability of cement pastes with low water–
cement ratios have begun to be investigated [5,6]. Increasing the
flow rate of concrete has not completely solved the compaction
problems especially in intensively equipped reinforced concrete.
Higher workability has been obtained but the self-compacting
and spreading properties could not be. Hence, in 1986, researches

0261-3069/$ - see front matter Ó 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
doi:10.1016/j.matdes.2008.12.011
 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B. 3057

have begun to be conducted on the self-compacting and diffused 2. Materials and methods
concrete at University of Tokyo. Therefore, the first step for design
of SCC was taken. The effects of chemical admixtures on the 2.1. Materials
development of SCC have been mentioned above. Besides these,
the filler materials have been used in SCC to increase the self-com- 2.1.1. Cement
pacting property by increasing the amount of finer material [7–10]. In this experimental study, CEM II/AL-LL 42.5 N Portland Calcar-
These materials are generally used as mineral admixtures in ordin- eous Cement corresponding TS EN 197-1 [22] standards has been
ary concrete and the usage of mineral admixtures can also improve used. The chemical and physical properties of cement used in
workability, compressive strength and durability [11,12]. experiments are shown in Table 1. The chemical and physical prop-
In recent years, the durability of concrete, using environmental erties are in accordance with the limit values specified in TS EN
friendly waste or industrial by-product materials and resource effi- 197-1 [22].
ciency are critical issues to achieve economical concrete and con-
crete structures with longer service lives corresponding 2.1.2. Fly ash
sustainable development [11–14]. According to Okamura and Ou- It is important to increase the amount of pastry in SCC because
chi, when SCC becomes so widely used, then the concrete industry it is an agent to carry the aggregates. As a consequence, FA has
will have succeeded in creating durable and reliable concrete been used in order to increase the amount of pastry. Some chemi-
structures that require very little maintenance work [15]. Using cal and physical properties of FA used in experimental study are gi-
FA, limestone powder, marble dust, etc. as filler material or par- ven in Table 1.
tially in powder material improves the durability of SCC [12,16]
and thus, it improves the effect of SCC on constructing durable 2.1.3. Aggregate
and reliable structures. As mentioned above, using wastes or by- In this study, the crushed stone aggregates have been used and
products in ordinary or special concretes as filler material, aggre- the maximum aggregate size is 16 mm. These aggregates are in
gate, mineral admixture, etc. also makes it possible to produce three different types and sizes as sand (0–4 mm), fine aggregate
durable, economical and environmental friendly concrete [13,14]. (4–8 mm) and coarse aggregate (8–16 mm), respectively. The abra-
In this way, RSCC with FA filler material satisfying the regular fresh sion-proof test (Los Angeles) has been carried out on the aggre-
and hardened concrete properties could be more economical, dura- gates and test results are shown in Table 2.
ble and environmental than any other concrete types.
When the mechanical properties of SCC are discussed, it can be 2.1.4. Rubber
seen that RSCC has regular, homogeneous compressive–tensile The granulated rubbers that are prepared for rubberized mix-
strength distribution, better elastic properties as greater ductility, tures have been sieved with square-mesh sieve of 4 mm size and
lower toughness and higher deflection compared to ordinary con- the rubbers sieved have been used in RSCC mixtures.
crete and furthermore, the performance and applicability of SCC
used in reinforced or prestressed structural concrete is similar to 2.1.5. High plasticizer admixture
ordinary vibrated concrete [17]. At 1990s, SCC was currently being In concrete mixtures, six different types of high performance
used in structures in order to shorten the construction period of viscosity agents have been used in the production of SCC as chem-
large-scale structures like prestressed concrete bridges, LNG tanks, ical admixtures. These admixtures have been coded as S-1, S-2, C-1,
etc. [15]. Nowadays, it can be said that SSC is commonly being em- C-2, C-3 and C-4. These admixtures were produced by two different
ployed in many structures including reinforced concrete buildings. international companies. The first company was coded as S and the
The reasons can be generally given as to shorten the construction second one was as C. Thus, two different types of admixtures were
period, to ensure compaction in the structure especially in con- provided from S company and four different ones were provided
fined zones where compaction by vibration is difficult, to eliminate from C company. Besides, these admixtures can also be called as
noise due to vibration especially at concrete products plants [15]. hyperplasticizers due to the property of increasing viscosity and
Moreover, there are many studies about SSC investigating fresh flow of concrete higher than superplasticizers. Therefore, these
and hardened properties like flow–slump, mix design, mechanical,
physical, thermal, hydric and elastic properties. For instance, Aly-
_ Table 1
amaç and Ince have investigated mix design for SCC with marble
Properties of cement and fly ash.
powders [18], Topçu et al. have studied the effects of marble dust
Chemical properties (%) CEM II/A-LL 42.5 Fly ash
powder on compressive strength, porosity, capillary coefficient,
flow and flow time properties of SCC [16], Türkmen and Kantarcı SiO2 20.74 55–58
Al2O3 5.13 23–25
have studied such properties of SCC incorporating expanded perlite
Fe2O3 2.78 6–8
aggregates [19] and Khatib has discussed the strength, absorption CaO 60.28 10–12
and shrinkage properties of SCC containing FA [20]. Felekoğlu et al. Free CaO 0.78 0.60
has determined the optimum water/cement ratio range for SCC in MgO 1.68 3.86
order to lead sufficient performance [21]. Consequently, it can be Na2O 0.27 0.5–0.8
K2O 0.59 1.4–1.8
said that most of the properties of SCC are known in recent times SO3 2.56 0.3–0.6
and there is enough knowledge for contributing the common use Insoluble residue 3.28 –
of SCC. Ignition loss 5.94 –
In this study, rubber obtained from used automobile tires has Physical and mechanical properties CEM II/A-LL 42.5
been ground, granulated and used in SCC mixture. First of all, con- Specific gravity 3.06
trol SCC mixture providing self-compactibility criteria has been ob- Specific surface (cm2/g) 4061
Mass stability (mm) 1
tained in accordance with the Europe SCC Specifications [4]. The
Setting period start (min) 165
fresh and hardened (mechanical and durability) properties such Setting period stop (min) 210
as slump–flow time and diameter, V-funnel flow time, compressive Strength of 1 day (MPa) 11.9
strength; high temperature and freezing–thawing resistances of Strength of 2 days (MPa) 23.4
RSCC mixtures have been compared to control SCC mixtures with- Strength of 7 days (MPa) 39.9
Strength of 28 days (MPa) 51.2
out RA content.
3058 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B.

Table 2
Abrasion loss values of aggregates.

First weight of Weight of aggregate after Weight of aggregate after Abrasion loss of aggregate after Abrasion loss of aggregate after
aggregate (g) 100 cycle (g) 500 cycle (g) 100 cycle (%) 100 cycle (%)
5000 4723 4255 5.54 14.9

Table 3 until the mixture has had the consistency of self-compactibility.

Some properties of chemical admixtures. This duration was not less than 3 min.
Properties C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 S-1 S-2
Specific surface (±0.02 g/cm3) 1.09 1.04 1.05 1.045 1.10 1.075 3. Results and discussion
pH (±1) 6.5 7 7 7 3–7 3–7
Chloride content (%) <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 <0.1 3.1. Properties of fresh concrete
Solid material (%) 20 21.5 20.2 21 – –
NaO (%) <1 <1 <1 <1 – <4
Dosage (%) 0.3–3 0.3–3 0.3–3 0.3–3 1–2 1–2
The experiments required for the self-compacting concrete are
generally carried out worldwide under laboratory circumstances.
Some of these experiments test the liquidity, segregation, place-
ment and compacting of fresh concrete. Conventional workability
types of chemical admixtures are generally used in SCC. The usage
experiments are not enough for the workability evaluation of
dosage given by the producers of these admixtures are 1–2% of SCC. Some experiment methods have been developed previously
total binding material amount for S-1 and S-2 by weight and are
by several research groups in order to measure the liquidity, segre-
0.3–3% of total binding material amount for C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 gation, placement and compaction of SCC. These experiment meth-
products by weight. In this study, admixture in the rate of 2% has
ods are defined in The European guidelines for self-compacting
been used. Some properties of these admixtures are given in Table concrete: Specification, production and use as slump–flow, V-fun-
3. The tap water provided from municipal city waterworks has
nel, U-box, L-box and fill box tests [4]. According to the results of
been used as the mixing water of mixture. many studies conducted, SCC containing different fillers, light-
weight aggregates can be defined as a type of high performance
2.2. Mixture proportions concrete due to its improved workability, high durability, low per-
meability and higher compressive strength [15,16,20,24–26].
One control SCC mixture and three RSCC mixtures have been Using limestone, stone or marble dust as filler material in SCC also
used in this study. RSCC mixtures containing rubber in the leads to better workability and higher compressive strengths
amounts of 60, 120 and 180 kg/m3 have been prepared. The usage [16,26]. Pozzolans like FA as filler also increase workability and,
of rubber aggregate is detrimental for compressive strength of SCC on the other hand, they decrease the early age compressive
[23]. Thus, these contents were chosen to attempt keeping com- strength however, increase later age strength, water absorption
pressive strength similar to ordinary SCC. On the other hand, these and decrease shrinkage in SCC [12,20,26]. Even if the greater usage
limited replacement contents would make it able to consider the amount of FA increases permeability, FA increases durability prop-
effects of RA incorporation on SCC properties. Thus, this paper erties compared to ordinary SCC incorporating limestone as filler
would contribute the limited studies about the RSCC. The cement [12,26]. When RA in SCC is considered, it decreases the fresh prop-
and fly ash content are kept constant as 380 and 150 kg/m3, erties of SCC and in this way, using superplasticizer, viscosity and
respectively. After then, four different types of mixtures have been entraining-air agents makes it available to produce workable RSCC
obtained including control and rubberized mixtures. These are due the results of slump–flow test [23]. In addition to this, the
called as: Control SCC mixture (C), Rubberized Mixture-1 (RAM- compressive strength, flexural strength and the modulus of elastic-
1), Rubberized Mixture-2 (RAM-2) and Rubberized Mixture-3 ity generally decrease; however, strain and restraint shrinkage
(RAM-3). The mixture proportions of these mixtures are presented cracking can be reduced [23,25]. In this study, slump–flow and
in Table 4. During the production of fresh SCC, all aggregates (0–4, V-funnel tests have been conducted to determine fresh concrete
4–8, 8–16 mm) have firstly been mixed in dry state. After then, FA properties of RSCC. Additionally, it has been observed that whether
and cement have been added. After a homogeneous dry mixture the concrete segregates or not during the tests. The experimental
has been obtained, the 80% of mixture water by volume has been
results obtained from the tests are presented in Table 5.
added to the mixture. Afterwards, chemical admixture has
been dissolved in the rest of the mixing water and this solution
3.1.1. Slump–flow test
has been added to the mixture. Mixing process has been continued This test includes observation of fresh SCC flow time observa-
tion and measurement of flow diameter after spreading of speci-
men by its self-weight. A slump funnel and a spandrel having
Table 4
dimensions of 80  80 cm are used as test devices. This method
The mixture proportions and design parameters of materials used.
is the most common used in order to measure self-flow properties
Component K RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3 of concrete. In other words, this test also determines the filling
Cement (kg/m3) 380 380 380 380 quality of SCC. The concrete is filled to the slump funnel on the
Fly ashes (kg/m3) 150 150 150 150 flow spandrel without any concrete spitting and then the slump
Water (l/m3) 170 170 170 170 funnel is pulled up and the concrete is supposed to flow by its
Fine aggregate (0–4 mm) (kg/m3) 780 750 710 670
Fine aggregate (4–8 mm) (kg/m3) 340 330 320 310
own weight without any effect. The time in which the concrete
Coarse aggregate (8–16 mm) (kg/m3) 520 500 490 480 comes to the diameter of 50 cm (T50) is measured by using a chro-
Rubber (kg/m3) – 60 120 180 nometer. After the end of flow, final flow diameter is also measured
Admixture (%) 2 2 2 2 in two directions perpendicular to each other. And then, the test is
Water/(FA + C) 0.32 0.32 0.32 0.32
completed [16,24]. The flow diameter values obtained from the
Unit weight (kg/m3) 2340 2340 2340 2340
test are presented in Fig. 2. Slump–flow test and T50 time have been
 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B. 3059

Table 5
Fresh concrete experimental results.

Mixture Admixture Fresh concrete experiments Observation

V-Funnel (s) T50 (s) Flow diameter (mm)
C C-1 9.04 3.94 63 No segregation
C-2 10.44 4.01 59 No segregation
C-3 14.30 4.12 61 No segregation
C-4 8.45 2.84 68 No segregation
S-1 15.25 3.72 64 No segregation
S-2 9.83 3.48 66 No segregation
RAM-1 C-1 8.12 3.38 69 Slight segregation
C-2 8.83 3.59 67 No segregation
C-3 11.65 3.65 65 No segregation
C-4 9.21 3.44 66 No segregation
S-1 14.96 3.98 61 No segregation
S-2 8.17 2.82 70 Slight segregation
RAM-2 C-1 9.22 3.72 67 No segregation
C-2 7.37 2.95 71 Slight segregation
C-3 10.71 3.84 62 Slight segregation
C-4 8.28 3.01 68 Slight segregation
S-1 9.47 3.22 69 No segregation
S-2 6.43 2.60 76 Slight segregation
RAM-3 C-1 6.12 2.89 76 Segregation
C-2 5.68 2.42 74 Segregation
C-3 4.46 2.77 70 Segregation
C-4 4.89 2.64 75 Segregation
S-1 5.18 2.81 72 Segregation
S-2 4.37 2.36 80 Segregation

measured by using required amount of fresh SCC during the mixing

process before the preparation of hardened specimens (Fig. 1). The
values of T50 time obtained from the test are shown in Fig. 3. The
flow times for different types of SCC in slump–flow test to reach
flow diameter of 50 cm were generally less than 5 s. The mixtures
having flow diameter between 60 and 80 cm have been accepted as
appropriate in slump–flow test regarding the European SCC Speci-
fications [4].
As a result of slump–flow test, the flow diameter was between
59 and 80 cm. These values were in accordance with the flow
diameter values mentioned in Europe Self-Compacting Concrete
Specifications. The lowest flow diameter (59 cm) has been mea-
sured for Control (C) SCC mixture containing C-2 chemical admix-
ture. As for the highest flow diameter (80 cm), it has been
measured for RAM-3 mixture containing S-2 chemical admixture.
The time to reach 50 cm flow diameter varies between 2.36 and
4.12 s. The lowest T50 time has been measured for RAM-3 mixture
Fig. 1. Slump–flow test and T50 time measurement. containing S-2 chemical admixture. The highest T50 time has been
measured for Control SCC mixture containing C-3 chemical admix-

C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3

100
80
76 76
Flow diameter (cm)

71 74 75
80 69 67 67 70 68 66 68 69 72 66
70
63 65 62 64 61
59 61
60

40

20

0
C -1 C -2 C -3 C -4 S -1 S -2
Admixtures
Fig. 2. The effects of RA and admixture type on the flow diameter.
3060 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B.

C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3

5
3,94 4,01 4,12 3,98
3,72 3,84 3,72
4 3,59 3,65 3,48
3,38 3,44
3,22
2,95 3,01

T50 (sec)
2,89 2,77 2,84 2,81 2,82
3 2,64 2,6
2,42 2,36

0
C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 S-1 S-2
Admixtures
Fig. 3. The effects of RA and admixture type on the T50 time.

ture. By the way, it seems like the increase in the rubber amount
leads to the decrease in T50 time and increase in workability. How-
ever, as it is known from the literature, rubber decreases workabil-
ity of ordinary concrete due to its physical properties and besides
this, a combination of super plasticizer and viscosity agent makes
available it to produce SCC containing rubber having sufficient
fresh concrete properties [23]. Therefore, the type of chemical
admixture used was the main parameter increasing flow diameter
and T50 of SCC in this study. On the other hand, the coarser aggre-
gate amount in SCC decreased with the increasing replacement ra-
tio. Thus, the amount of finer material has increased relatively,
higher fine aggregate amount also increased the flow diameter
and flow time.
In a previously carried out study about RSCC, it was observed
that the rubber waste has not negatively affected the fresh con-
crete properties. As a result of slump–flow test, the flow diameter
value was measured more than 60 cm. The flow time for SCC in
slump–flow test flow diameter of 50 cm was measured less than
5 s. There was not any adhesion or segregation in mixtures. It
was observed that when the fine material amount and admixture
types are kept constant, the mixtures containing rubber wastes
were flowable enough [25]. In this study, it can be said that suffi-
cient results could be obtained due to the mechanism mentioned
above.
3.1.2. V-funnel flow time measurement
In this test, the flow of SCC per unit time is determined. It in-
cludes the discharge time measurement of fresh SCC with its
self-weight from the narrow mouth of funnel designed specially.
This funnel is called as V-funnel. This test is a self-compactibility
test to measure the capacity of concrete to pass into the spaces.
The test suggests an opinion about the viscosity and passing capac-
ity of SCC. Fresh SCC is filled to the funnel without any compaction
or vibration and then the sliding cover under the funnel is opened
and the filling time of all concrete in the funnel to the pail is re-
corded [16,24].
The V-funnel flow time values obtained from the test are shown
in Fig. 4. According to the results of V-funnel test, the V-funnel flow
time varies between 4.37 and 15.25. The highest flow time has
been measured for Control SCC mixture containing S-1 chemical
admixture and the lowest flow time has been measured for
RAM-3 mixture produced with S-2 chemical admixture. The same
reasons and mechanism mentioned for slump–flow test results are
also commanding the explanations for the results of V-funnel test.
It has generally been observed that when the RA in SCC has in-
creased, the fluidity of concrete also increases. However, increased
fluidity or flow speed also causes segregation.
3.2. Properties of hardened concrete
Fresh concretes have been cast into the cubic molds having each
dimension as 15 cm. The specimens have been taken out from the
molds after 24 h. After then, the standard water cure has been ap-
plied. The 3rd, 7th and 28th day compressive strengths of SCC
specimens have been determined. Compressive strength tests have
been conducted on two specimens for each mixture and an average
value of them has been taken into consideration. Considering the
3rd, 7th and 28th day compressive strengths of four different types

C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3

18
15,25
14,96
14,3
15
V funnel (sec)

11,65
12 10,44 10,71
9,47 9,83
9,04 9,22 8,83 9,21
8,45 8,28
9 8,12 8,17
7,37
6,12 6,43
5,68 5,18
6 4,46 4,89 4,37

0
C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 S-1 S-2
Admixtures
Fig. 4. The effects of RA and admixture type on V-funnel flow time.
 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B. 3061

Table 6
Hardened concrete properties

Mixture Admixture Compressive strengths (MPa)

3 days 7 days 28 days 400 °C 800 °C Freezing–thawing
C C-1 29.0 39.6 49.5 41.6 9.4 44.3
C-2 27.2 37.9 48.6 41.3 10.2 43.2
C-3 30.5 41.8 51.1 42.4 9.7 46.9
C-4 24.7 35.7 46.4 37.6 8.3 41.8
S-1 33.6 43.2 52.4 46.1 11.0 48.6
S-2 26.9 36.2 50.3 43.3 10.1 45.6
RAM-1 C-1 23.4 30.9 38.1 30.1 6.1 32.1
C-2 22.0 28.3 34.9 26.5 6.6 29.6
C-3 18.7 25.0 39.8 32.2 6.8 33.3
C-4 19.6 26.2 36.5 28.1 5.1 30.2
S-1 20.4 29.6 37.0 22.2 6.7 31.5
S-2 21.1 27.2 38.7 22.5 5.8 32.8
RAM-2 C-1 13.0 19.2 27.2 18.5 3.3 21.5
C-2 12.3 20.4 26.6 17.3 3.7 20.3
C-3 16.3 22.1 29.8 21.5 3.2 24.4
C-4 14.3 17.8 26.0 18.0 2.4 19.6
S-1 15.7 21.5 28.0 15.3 3.6 22.6
S-2 13.6 20.1 30.2 18.7 2.8 21.7
RAM-3 C-1 6.7 12.8 17.2 10.3 1.1 12.4
C-2 8.1 11.2 16.7 9.7 0.9 16.4
C-3 9.7 14.1 18.3 11.3 1.5 13.4
C-4 7.8 10.5 15.1 9.5 0.6 10.5
S-1 9.1 14.6 19.9 12.7 1.6 14.8
S-2 8.0 11.9 14.4 8.8 1.0 10.3

of SCC mixtures; increase of RA in SCC have led to decrease in com-
pressive strength compared to the control SCC mixture. The poros-
ity has also increased with the increase in rubber amount. Under
the compressive load, the rubber granules separate from cement
pastry and make spaces unavoidable [25]. The 3rd, 7th and 28th
day compressive strength results of four SCC mixtures obtained
from the test are given in Table 6. The 3rd day compressive
strength values were between 6.7 and 33.6 MPa, 7th ones were ob-
tained between 10.5 and 43.2 MPa. Finally, 28th day compressive
strengths were determined in the range between 14.4 and
52.4 MPa. When the 28 days of compressive strength results are
discussed, it is seen that the highest compressive strength of Con-
trol SCC mixture and RAM-3 mixture has been obtained with the
usage of S-1 chemical admixture, the highest compressive strength
of RAM-1 mixture has been observed with C-3 chemical admixture
usage and the highest compressive strength of RAM-2 has been ob-
served with S-2 chemical admixture. For the mixture prepared
with S-1 chemical admixture, the 3rd, 7th and 28th day compres-
sive strengths with respect to the increase in RA are shown in
Fig. 5. Considering Fig. 5, it is seen that compressive strengths of
SCC decrease with the increase in the RA content similar to the lit-
erature [23,25]. In Fig. 5, it can be said that the compressive
strength of RSCC seems to be independent on concrete age. First
of all, Fig. 5 presents the relative or residual compressive strengths
in order to compare the strengths of RSCC to control SCC. Thus, the
compressive strength of controls SCC has been considered as 100%
in Fig. 5. Another reason can be said as the inert RA for producing
C–S–H gels. In other words, rubber does not have any hydraulic or
pozzolanic activity to contribute to hydration, occur more C–S–H
gels and gain compressive strength in concrete with elapsed time.
Besides, cement capable for hydraulic reaction and pozzolans such
as FA having pozzolanic activity improves hydration and strength
gain related to concrete age. Therefore, it is exactly obvious that
compressive strength is exactly dependant on concrete age due
to the existence of cement and pozzolans. Even if the pozzolans
are used in ordinary concrete or self-compacting concrete as fine

120
3 Day 7 Day 28 Day
Residual Compr. Str. (%)

100 100

80
71
68,5
60 60.7
53,4
49.8
46,7
40 37.9
33,8
27.1
20

0
C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3
Mixtures
Fig. 5. The compressive strengths with respect to increased RA.
3062 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B.
aggregate or filler, they still contribute to the compressive strength
gain. Herein, in this study, RA content in SCC were changed, cement
and pozzolan contents were kept constant. In addition, it can be
mentioned that cement and the pozzolanic active FA as filler mate-
rial still contributes to strength gain. As it is seen in Fig. 5, relative
compressive strength of RSCC mixtures at 28 days age is always
greater than 3rd and 7th day compressive strengths. If the constant
cement and FA content are considered, compressive strength
behaviour is similar for different ages. However, compressive
strength gain is still continuous compared to the previous age.
On the other hand, the decrease in compressive strengths of differ-
ent mixtures were occurred due to the increase in the RA replace-
ment. Besides, the decrease in the amount of natural coarser
aggregates may improve the intense of decrease in compressive
strength. Therefore, the relatively big differences in residual com-
pressive strengths with respect to RA content presented in Fig. 5
may have occurred due to this reason. Since rubber is a lightweight
aggregate, the structure of the concrete produced may not be
homogeneous if an air entraining agent is not used [23]. Thus,
the structure of RSCC may not be homogeneous due to the exis-
tence of RA and the increase in RA content may increase this. This
can be said as another reason for decrease in compressive strength
mentioned previously. Additionally, the type of viscosity agent
used can also affect and change the compressive strength of SCC
incorporating same or different amounts of RA. Consequently, it
can be said that the RA decreases the compressive strength.
High temperature test has been conducted on the SCC and RSCC
specimens. The specimens were exposed to 400 and 800 °C high
Fig. 6. The failure modes of specimens exposed to high temperature.
C RAM-1
100
84 85
Residual Compr. Str. (%)
79
76
80 68
65
60 58
60
40
20
0
C-1 C-2
Fig. 7. The compressive strengths of specimens exposed to 400 °C.
temperature in the kiln with 1200 °C heating capacity. The changes
of compressive strength and specimen weights have been observed.
The specimens have shown pink color after exposure to 400 °C
and the specimens have turned into light grey after 800 °C. How-
ever, all SCC specimens have not shown exhibited expected failure
modes for conventional concrete cubes subjected to compression.
As mentioned above, the structure of RSCC may not be homoge-
neous. Besides, the RA in SCC leave spaces in the structure of con-
crete after exposing to high temperature. The failure modes of the
specimens after being exposed to high temperature is presented in
Fig. 6.
When concrete is exposed to high temperatures, the free water
in capillary pores of the concrete, the water in C–S–H gel and chem-
ical bond, and the water in C–S–H and sulphoaluminate evaporate.
Consequently, this causes shrinkage in concrete around 300 °C
[11,27]. When the temperature above 400 °C is employed, C–S–H
gels decompose. Around 530 °C, Ca(OH)2 transforms to the anhy-
drate lime. Thus, the high temperature leads to cracking and de-
creases the compressive strength of concrete due to these reasons
[11]. After mentioning the mechanism of high temperature effect
on compressive strength of concrete, the compressive strength of
SCC exposed to high temperatures can now be discussed. The com-
pressive strength values of SCC specimens exposed to 400 and
800 °C are given in Figs. 7 and 8. The specimens have been kept in
water for 28 days and exposed to 400 and 800 °C temperature at
28th day. After then, their compressive strengths have been deter-
mined at the same day. The residual compressive strength values
have been calculated with respect to the strengths of specimens
RAM-2 RAM-3
88
86
83 81 81 77 80
78
72 69 70
63 64 67
62 61
C-3 C-4 S-1 S-2
Admixtures
 _ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B. 3063

C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3

25

Residual Compr. Str. (%)

21 21 20
19 19 19 18 18
20 17
16 15
14 14 13
15 12 11 10
8 9 8
10 7
6 5 4
5

0
C-1 C-2 C-3 C-4 S-1 S-2
Admixtures
Fig. 8. The compressive strengths of specimens exposed to 800 °C.

determined before the exposure of 400 and 800 °C. In other words,
the initial compressive strength of the mixture type before expo-
sure of the high temperature was considered as 100% (400 and
800 °C), after then, the residual strength of the same mixture after
the exposure was calculated in percents of its initial strength.
As a result of high temperature effect, the highest compressive
strength loss at 400 °C has been determined for RAM-3 mixture
containing C-2. The highest compressive strength loss at 800 °C
has been measured for RAM-3 mixture containing C-4.
The remaining compressive strengths of specimens after high
temperature effect decreases to 58–88% for 28 days compressive
strength at 400 °C and to 4–21% at 800 °C. The highest compressive
strength has been seen for Control SCC mixture and it can be said
that, the loss in compressive strength increases with the increase
in RA content due to the exposure of high temperature. The com-
pressive strengths have decreased due to mechanism of high tem-
perature effect as the decomposition of C–S–H gels. The
deceleration of residual compressive strength due to high temper-
ature increases with the increase in exposed temperature. After
then, very low compressive strengths are generally obtained with
the increase in temperature especially above 400 °C. Besides, the
relatively big residual compressive strength differences between
series may have occurred because of the existence of RA and in-
crease in RA content. The RA burns after exposure to high temper-
ature, disappears and leaves voids in the structure of concrete [28].
The same mechanism is valid for RSCC. Thus, the deceleration of
loss in compressive strength is greater in SCC containing higher
contents of RA. When the RA in RSCC mixture has increased, the
amount of voids increased after the exposure of high temperature
[29]. Finally, the compressive strength also decreased and the big
differences has occured between the compressive strengths of
SCC and RSCC mixtures. Besides, as mentioned before, the amount
of coarser aggregates decreased with increase in RA content. This
might have also increased the deceleration of loss in residual com-
pressive strength. Additionally, the type of chemical admixture can
lead to changes in residual compressive strength after high tem-
perature exposure. However, the effect of increase in RA content
can be said as the significant parameter compared to the effect of
chemical admixture.
The initial weights of control SCC and RSCC specimens have
been measured just after they have been taken out of the water
cure at 28th day. After the 400 and 800 °C temperatures exposure,
their weights have been measured again and the losses in their
weights due to high temperature effect have been calculated. The
loss in weight values can be seen in Fig. 9. The values in Fig. 9 in-
cludes only the results of mixtures prepared with S-1 chemical
admixture. Similarly, the weight loss increased with increase RA
content. The same mechanism has caused this results likewise
residual compressive strengths obtained because of the high tem-
perature effect.

15
400 0C 800 0C 13.8

12
10.8
Loss in Weight (%)

9 9.1
8.5
7.1
6
5.5

3.7
3 2.6

0
C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3
Mixtures
Fig. 9. Losses in weights of specimens after 400 and 800 °C.
3064
35
Loss in Compr. Str. (%)
30
25
20,84
20
15,81
15
10,53
10
0
C-1
The freezing–thawing test has been conducted on Control SCC
and RSCC specimens after they have been kept in standard water
cure for 28 days. The 28th day compressive strength and the resid-
ual compressive strengths after freezing–thawing test have been
compared to each other. The losses in compressive strengths of
specimens because of freezing–thawing effect are presented in
Fig. 10. The highest loss in compressive strength has been seen
for RAM-3 mixture containing C-4 chemical admixture.
According to the results of freezing–thawing test, the losses in
compressive strengths are between 7.32% and 30.2% compared to
the 28th day compressive strengths. The lowest loss in compres-
sive strength has been measured for Control SCC mixture contain-
ing S-1 chemical admixture and the highest loss in compressive
strength has been measured for RAM-3 mixture containing C-4
chemical admixture. The losses in compressive strengths are great-
er for the series incorporating higher RA contents. In other words,
increase in RA decreases the residual compressive strengths after
freezing–thawing effect. The type of viscosity agent changes and
may improve freeze–thawing resistance likewise the results ob-
tained from other mechanical properties.
4. Conclusions
The conclusions of this study can be said as follows:
 When the properties of fresh SCC such as slump–flow, T50 and
V-funnel times are considered as a criterion to determine the
optimum usage ratio of RA in SCC, it can be said that usage
amount up to 180 kg/m3 content is suitable for improving all
of these properties especially related to the properties of the
agent used when it is used in SCC with the viscosity agents.
Besides, all fresh SCC properties satisfy the EFNARC SCC Specifi-
cation [4]. Consequently, it can be said that RA improves the
workability of SCC produced with different viscosity agents.
 If the mechanical and durability properties of hardened SCC
such as compressive strength, high temperature and freezing–
thawing resistances are considered, the usage amount can also
be said as 180 kg/m3 content again. Concrete compressive
strength and durability properties decrease with increasing RA
content in the mixture. Besides, the residual compressive
strengths after high temperature and freezing–thawing effects
also decrease. On the other hand, the obtained values are still
higher than those of ordinary concretes mixed with similar
amounts of RA. Finally, it can be said that RA in SCC decrease
the mechanical and durability properties of ordinary SCC. How-
_ Topçu, T. Bilir / Materials and Design 30 (2009) 3056–3065
I.B.
C RAM-1 RAM-2 RAM-3
29,73 30,2
27,61 28,12
26,87
24,6 25,42
23,63 22,48
18,27 19,14
16,27 17,36
15,11 14,82 15,33
11,02
9,81 9,24
8,17 7,32
C-2 C-3 C-4 S-1 S-2
Admixtures
Fig. 10. Residual strength after freezing and thawing test.
ever, the performance of RSCC is still better than ordinary
concretes.
 The viscosity agents as chemical admixtures can decrease or
improve the fresh and hardened concretes related to its proper-
ties. Nevertheless, the mechanism could not be explained in this
study. In order to explain the mechanism and effects of the
chemical admixtures used, the microstructure of RSCC due to
mechanic and durability effects should be investigated.
 According to the results of this study, the optimum usage RA
content in SCC can be said as 180 kg/m3 in order to obtain suffi-
cient performance for both of fresh and hardened properties of
SCC.
 Consequently, it can be reported that a new usage method for RA
in SCC formulation is developed. RA content used about 180 kg/
m3 has also beneficial effects on both fresh and hardened prop-
erties of SCC compared to ordinary concretes. Thus, RA can be
recycled at higher amounts, the environmental pollution can
be prevented and economical advantages can be provided. This
is also an important conclusion for sustainable development
and concrete industry similar to use of other by-products.
The conclusions of this study are in accordance with the conclu-
sions of a previous study by Bignozzi and Sandrolini [25]. Similarly,
it can be pointed out that controlling the microstructure of the rub-
berized SCC to obtain improved mechanical and durability behav-
ior for SCC should be the main objective. Besides, they have
reported that further RSCC formulations are needed to strongly
confirm the effective superiority of RSCC in literature [25]. The
aim of this study is to contribute this innovation by using RA in dif-
ferent sizes (0–4 mm), different types of chemical admixtures (vis-
cosity agents) and different rubber contents. Besides, durability of
RSCC has not sufficiently been discussed in literature. This study
also contributes to the RSCC progress by discussing durability
properties. However, there is still a need to investigate the effects
of new RSCC formulations on different mechanical, durability,
physical and thermal properties of SCC.
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