Compression tests on FRP-confined rubber concrete

Extensive research has been conducted on the use of crumb rubber to replace aggregates in producing concrete (i.e. rubber concrete). The use of rubber concrete has so far been mainly limited to non-structural applications due to its well-known disadvantages including the low compressive strength. The disadvatanges of rubber concrete may be overcome if it is confined by an fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) tube/wrap. This paper presents results from a series of axial compression tests on FRP-confined rubber concrete, of which 50% of the fine aggregates was replaced with crumb rubber. The main test variable was the thickness of the FRP wrap. The test results show that: (1) the concrete strength loss caused by the use of crumb rubber can be compensated by the use of FRP confinement; and (2) the effect of FRP thickness on the behavior of rubber concrete is similar to that on natural aggregate concrete.