Unconfined Compressive Strength of Fly Ash-Lime-Gypsum Composite Mixed with Treated Tire Chips

The paper presents the potential and effect of treated tire chips on the unconfined compressive strength in the reference mix containing fly ash, lime, and gypsum. Dry, sodium hydroxide-, and carbon tetrachloride-treated tire chips were used in the study. The tire chip content varied from 5 to 15%. The specimen prepared was cured for 7, 28, 90, and 180 days with three different curing methods (in a dessicator, burlap, and water-filled container). The results indicated that the unconfined compressive strength of the reference mix with dry tire chips can be increased by treatment with carbon tetrachloride and sodium hydroxide. The increase in unconfined compressive strength was highest with carbon tetrachloride treatment. The results further revealed that the increase in unconfined compressive strength was highest when cured in water-filled container, followed by burlap and dessicator. The unconfined compressive strength increased with curing period, and the increase was significant up to a curing period of 90 days. With the increase in tire chip content (5-5%) in the reference mix, there was a decrease in the unconfined compressive strength. This decrease in the unconfined compressive strength was highest when cured in water-filled container, followed by burlap and dessicator. The reference mix with treated tire chips may be used for road subbase with light traffic. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000292. (C) 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.