Suitability of rubber concrete for railway sleepers

Abstract

An experimental investigation by replacing 15% by volume fraction of fine aggregate by crumb rubber was conducted to find the fatigue failure load and impact resistance. The design strength of 50 and 55 MPa was achieved. Test result indicated that there was reduction in compressive strength and modulus values. The fatigue failure and impact resistance were high for rubber concrete when compared with ordinary high strength concrete. The impact strength for railway sleeper with crumb rubber replacement showed increase of about 60% when compared to prestressed concrete sleeper.