Sustainable Lightweight Concrete with Recycled Rubber for Weight Reduction and Improved Mechanical Properties

Chavarry Vallejos C.M.; Chavarría Reyes L.J.; Támara Rodríguez J.S.; Pereyra Salardi E.; Escobar Serrano J.C.; Pazos Sedano K.R.; Minaya Huerta D. · Proceedings of the LACCEI international Multi-conference for Engineering, Education and Technology (2025) · DOI: 10.18687/leird2025.1.1.174

Resumen

This study focused on developing lightweight concrete incorporating recycled rubber (RR), aiming to optimize its physical and mechanical properties for use in multi-family housing. The research addressed the need for a material that combines lightness, workability, and adequate strength for residential structures. It significantly contributes to sustainability and environmental protection by reusing rubber waste. A deductive scientific method was employed, with a quantitative experimental design that varied RR proportions in the concrete to define the ideal dosage. The results show that adding RR positively impacted the concrete's physical properties. Mix workability significantly improved, evidenced by a notable 75% increase in slump when 20% RR was incorporated. Concomitantly, the unit weight decreased by up to 35.99%. However, this addition led to a 12.93% reduction in compressive strength and a 26.67% reduction in tensile strength. The optimal RR dosage was determined to be 5%, achieving a balance between improved workability and a smaller 5.6% reduction in compressive strength compared to the control sample. This work highlights the relevance of innovation in civil engineering for sustainability and environmental protection by proposing a construction solution that revalues industrial waste. © LEIRD 2025.All rights reserved.

Instituciones: Universidad Ricardo Palma; Universidad Nacional Santiago Antúnez de Mayolo