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Flexural Performance of Rubberised Concrete with Flyash, Silica Fume and Plaster of Paris: An Experimental and Numerical Analysis

International Journal of Civil Engineering
© 2025 by SSRG - IJCE Journal
Volume 12 Issue 7
Year of Publication : 2025
Authors : Kanmalai Williams, Balamuralikrishnan R
10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I7P116
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How to Cite?

Kanmalai Williams, Balamuralikrishnan R, "Flexural Performance of Rubberised Concrete with Flyash, Silica Fume and Plaster of Paris: An Experimental and Numerical Analysis," SSRG International Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 12,  no. 7, pp. 183-199, 2025. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23488352/IJCE-V12I7P116

Abstract:

The global demand for concrete, the most widely used construction material, continues to rise due to rapid expansion in residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. Simultaneously, the increasing cost of cement and aggregates, coupled with the growing volume of solid waste such as discarded automobile tires, poses significant environmental challenges. Addressing both economic and ecological concerns necessitates the adoption of alternative materials to partially replace conventional concrete constituents, such as cement and coarse aggregates. This study explores the partial replacement of cement with mineral admixtures, including Plaster of Paris (POP), Silica Fume (SF), Fly Ash (FA), and the use of Reclaimed Rubber (RR) as a substitute for coarse aggregate. Both experimental and computational methods were employed, focusing on an M20 grade concrete mix. The study determined the most effective replacement level, with optimal results observed at a 9% substitution rate for both FA and POP. A predictive model for compressive strength was implemented in C++ using a Genetic Algorithm (GA), incorporating various mixtures of RR, SF, FA, and POP as input parameters. The simulation results led to the identification of five optimal mix design configurations. Twelve concrete cubes were cast and tested to validate the simulation results, demonstrating strong agreement between experimental and predicted compressive strength values. Furthermore, twelve beams incorporating the selected combinations were prepared and subjected to flexural testing, with load-deflection curves generated for each of them. The findings demonstrated that incorporating these alternative materials led to an improvement in the concrete’s bending (flexural) strength.

Keywords:

Alternative building materials, Strength forecasting, Compressive performance, Flexural performance; Recycled rubber, Genetic Algorithm (GA).

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