Advancements in Characterization and Potential Structural Seismic Performance of Alkali-Activated Concrete Incorporating Crumb Rubber: A State-of-the-Art Review

Yousef Elbaz, Aman Mwafy (), Hilal El-Hassan and Tamer El-Maaddawy
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Yousef Elbaz: Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Aman Mwafy: Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Hilal El-Hassan: Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
Tamer El-Maaddawy: Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-43

Abstract: The production of ordinary Portland cement has had a significant environmental impact, leading to increased interest in sustainable alternatives. This comprehensive review thus explores the performance and applications of rubberized alkali-activated concrete (RuAAC), an innovative material combining alkali-activated concrete with crumb rubber (CR) from waste tires as a coarse/fine aggregate replacement. The study examined current research on the components, physical and mechanical properties, and seismic performance of RuAAC structures. Key findings revealed that CR addition enhances dynamic characteristics while reducing compressive strength by up to 63% at 50% CR replacement, though ductility improvements partially offset this reduction. Novel CR pretreatment methods, such as eggshell catalyzation, can enhance seismic resilience potential. While studies on the structural seismic performance of RuAAC are limited, relevant research on rubberized conventional concrete indicated several potential benefits, highlighting a critical gap in the current body of knowledge. Research on the behavior of RuAAC in full-scale structural elements and under seismic loading conditions remains notably lacking. By examining existing research and identifying crucial research gaps, this review provides a foundation for future investigations into the structural behavior and seismic response of RuAAC, potentially paving the way for its practical implementation in earthquake-resistant and sustainable construction.

Keywords: alkali-activated material; rubber; mechanical properties; RC structures; dynamic performance; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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