Hybrid Rubber–Steel Fiber Concrete for Sustainable Pavements: Integrating Surface Abrasion, Impact Resistance, and Weibull Reliability Analysis

International Journal of Civil Engineering

© 2026 by SSRG - IJCE Journal

Volume 13 Issue 3

Year of Publication : 2026

Authors : G. Srinivasa Rao, P. Sravana

10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P123

How to Cite?

G. Srinivasa Rao, P. Sravana, "Hybrid Rubber–Steel Fiber Concrete for Sustainable Pavements: Integrating Surface Abrasion, Impact Resistance, and Weibull Reliability Analysis," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 13,  no. 3, pp. 321-334, 2026. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V13I3P123

Abstract:

The level of concrete production also leads to the degradation of the environment because of naturally aggressive aggregates that are widely used. To solve sustainability issues, this paper explores the concept of partial replacement of coarse aggregates by waste tire rubber chips, which is reinforced with steel fibers to increase durability performance. The experimental program tested three mixes: conventional concrete (0% rubber), rubberized concrete (20% rubber replacing), and rubberized concrete (20% rubber replacing and 1% steel fibers). Standardized tests such as surface abrasion (ASTM C944), Cantabro losses (AASHTO TP-108), and impact-abrasion resistance (ASTM C1747) were carried out to determine wear, mass loss, and energy absorption, and it was found that the inclusion of rubber alone enhanced abrasion and Cantabro losses because of weaker aggregates-matrix bonding but greater energy absorption of impact resistance. Steel fibers were also added to add toughness, crack bridging, and durability, with mixes showing as much as 50 percent better impact resistance than control specimens. It is the first to use graphical analyses (response surfaces, contour maps, scatter plots) to identify nonlinear synergistic effects, and the Weibull reliability modeling to quantify failure rates and survival probability when subjected to repeated impact loading, which is found to be suitable in pavement block, industrial flooring, and precast structure under dynamic loading conditions.

Keywords:

Chipped Rubber, Design mix, Mechanical Properties, Weak Bonding, Impact Resistance, Cantabro Abrasion loss test, Surface Abrasion Test.

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