Effect of Crumb Rubber, Fly Ash, and Nanosilica on the Properties of Self-Compacting Concrete Using Response Surface Methodology

Producing high-strength self-compacting concrete (SCC) requires a low water-cement ratio (W/C). Hence, using a superplasticizer is necessary to attain the desired self-compacting properties at a fresh state. The use of low W/C results in very brittle concrete with a low deformation capacity. This research aims to investigate the influence of crumb rubber (CR), fly ash (FA), and nanosilica (NS) on SCC's workability and mechanical properties. Using response surface methodology (RSM), 20 mixes were developed containing different levels and proportions of FA (10-40% replacement of cement), CR (5-15% replacement of fine aggregate), and NS (0-4% addition) as the input variables. The workability was assessed through the slump flow, T-500, L-box, and V-funnel tests following the guidelines of EFNARC 2005. The compressive, flexural, and tensile strengths were determined at 28 days and considered as the responses for the response surface methodology (RSM) analyses. The results revealed that the workability properties were increased with an increase in FA but decreased with CR replacement and the addition of NS. The pore-refining effect and pozzolanic reactivity of the FA and NS increased the strengths of the composite. Conversely, the strength is negatively affected by an increase in CR, however ductility and deformation capacity were significantly enhanced. Response surface models of the mechanical strengths were developed and validated using ANOVA and have high R-2 values of 86-99%. The optimization result produced 36.38%, 4.08%, and 1.0% for the optimum FA, CR, and NS replacement levels at a desirability value of 60%.

Automated summary

This research investigates the influence of crumb rubber, fly ash, and nanosilica on the workability and mechanical properties of self-compacting concrete. The results show that fly ash and nanosilica enhance the workability and strengths of the composite, while crumb rubber negatively affects the strengths but improves ductility and deformation capacity. Response surface models of the mechanical strengths were developed and validated, providing a scientific basis for optimizing the mix design.