Bending and Compression Tests on Cementitious Mortars Containing Recycled Rubber-Waste as a Substitute for Traditional Aggregate

: Cement-based mortars, containing rubber-waste particles as aggregates, are experimentally investigated in this research project. Rubber materials were preliminarily treated modifying their surface by air plasma or by grafting alkoxysilanes in order to improve the interface strength between the cement matrix and the rubber, and to eventually assure chemical bonding. The substitution rate of stone aggregates with polymeric particles is 34% by mass. As the substitution strategy is a good ecological practice, especially wherever raw materials are scarce, the mechanical performances of different mortars are investigated and compared. As a result, the mortars manufactured with polymeric aggregates are not only more environmentally friendly but also lighter than traditional mortars. Polymeric aggregates exhibit also a greater ductility in bending, and guarantee a better capacity to dissipate energy, besides reducing the mass of the buildings.