Study on the effect of rubber content on the frost resistance of steel fiber reinforced rubber concrete

Abstract In cold areas, the steel fiber reinforced rubber concrete (SFRRC) pavement is exposed to natural environment and experiences varying degrees of damage from freezing and thawing. This can have a serious impact on the normal usage and safe operation of the pavement structure. This research examines the impact of varying rubber concentrations on multiple variables, such as the rate of mass reduction, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, and thickness of the damage layer (H f) during freeze–thaw (F-T) durability testing conducted on SFRRC. Furthermore, an analysis is conducted to determine the degradation pattern exhibited by SFRRC. The internal structure evolution and pore structure characteristics of SFRRC were examined using scanning electron microscopy and mercury intrusion porosimetry techniques, which revealed the underlying damage mechanism in SFRRC during F-T cycles. The results suggest that the addition of an appropriate amount of rubber can effectively enhance the frost resistance of SFRRC in water. A gradual improvement in the frost resistance of SFRRC is observed when increasing the rubber content from 0 to 10%. The optimal frost resistance is observed in SFRRC with 10% rubber content. However, when the rubber content reaches 15%, SFRRC exhibits significant degradation and lower level of resistance to freezing compared to SFRRC without rubber. Microcracks form within SFRRC due to the freezing–thawing forces experienced during the experiment, resulting in the development of a damage layer that extends from the surface to the interior. The compressive strength of the damaged layer significantly decreases as H f increases. The addition of appropriate rubber in SFRRC improves its pore structure, leading to an increased proportion of harmless or less harmful pores and a reduction in average pore size, thereby significantly enhancing its frost resistance.