Engineering Controlled Low Strength Materials Using Scrap Tire Rubber

An investigation was conducted to determine the influence of recycled scrap tire rubber on the engineering properties of controlled low strength material (CLSM). With control over the ultimate compressive strength of CLSMs being key for applications such as backfilling utility trenches where re-excavation is often necessary, incorporation of scrap tire rubber into the CLSM mixture is a viable way to limit the ultimate strength. The work presented includes the results of 27 batches of CLSM, 20 of which included scrap tire rubber. The variables included: cement content, fly ash content, and fractional replacement of sand with scrap tire rubber. Results show that incorporation of scrap tire rubber into CLSM mixtures can be an effective way to limit term strength gain although it adds its own complexity.