Cyclic Shear Test of Reinforced Rubberised Concrete Columns

Abstract

This paper investigates the cyclic response of three 500 mm circular columns, one conventional concrete and two rubberised concretes, made of 10% and 20% rubber content by total aggregate volume. All units were tested using an aspect ratio of 2.5 and subjected to reversed cycling loading with an axial load corresponding to 0.1Agf'c. The response of each column was characterised in terms of stiffness, strength, ductility, and energy dissipation. Improvements in the ductility and energy dissipation of the rubberised 10% column compared to the conventional concrete column were measured. The results also suggested that the shear strength and stiffness of the 10% column depend only on the material's compressive strength. On the other hand, the considerable loss in compressive strength of the rubberised 20% mix led to lower strength and stiffness of the respective column. In addition, no increases in ductility or energy dissipation were measured for the 20% rubberised column.