Experimental investigations on the mechanical properties and damage detection of carbon nanotubes modified crumb rubber concrete
Publication Name
Journal of Building Engineering
Abstract
This study presents a modified crumb rubber (MCR) concrete design mix reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), mechanical characterization, and cracking monitoring using the acoustic emission (AE) technique. The results showed that the bridging effect of MWCNTs and MCR in the concrete mix mitigated the shortcomings of MWCNT-MCR concrete and improved the flexural and compressive strengths by 18.3% and 26.5%, respectively, at 28 days. The stress-strain behavior of the MWCNT-MCR concrete showed improved ductility (48.12%), axial strain (50.12%), and toughness (27.15%) compared to the reference specimens. The MWCNT–MCR concrete exhibited a mechanical response in three distinct loading phases. Overall, tensile failure (>4000 μs/v and >35 kHz) was observed in the tested specimens through the RA value (ratio of rise time to amplitude of AE waves) and average frequency (AF) distribution. Based on the amplitude distribution of the AE waves, the damping capacity of the MWCNT-MCR concrete was improved by 27.83%, and the fracture mechanism between micro and macro cracks was identified through a b-value approach. Finally, a regression model was established to predict the Ec of MWCNT-MCR concrete and the two-way interaction effect on the mechanical properties of the developed mix design.
Open Access Status
This publication may be available as open access
Volume
75
Article Number
106937