Improving damping capabilities in low-rise frames using reinforced rubberized concrete: A comprehensive study.
Ahed Habib1, Moussa Leblouba2, M Talha Junaid2
1Research Institute of Sciences and Engineering, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
Scientific Reports
|November 27, 2025
Summary
Rubberized concrete (RBC) enhances ductility and damping but reduces strength. This study shows RBC frames can reduce seismic forces and improve damping efficiency during earthquakes, with manageable increases in interstory drift.
Area of Science:
- Civil Engineering
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Construction
Background:
- Rubberized concrete (RBC) uses recycled tire rubber as aggregate, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional concrete.
- While RBC enhances ductility and damping, it typically shows reduced mechanical strength compared to traditional concrete.
- A gap exists in comprehensive numerical studies on the seismic performance of rubberized concrete frames.
Purpose of the Study:
- To numerically investigate the seismic performance of rubberized concrete (RBC) frames.
- To compare RBC frames against conventional concrete (NC-C) and similar-strength concrete (NC-S) frames.
- To evaluate the impact of different ground motion types on RBC frame behavior.
Main Methods:
- Nonlinear response-history analysis of three low-rise reinforced concrete (RC) frames.
- Subjecting frames to sixty recorded ground motions (near-fault, pulse-like, far-fault).
- Comparing seismic response parameters between RBC, NC-C, and NC-S frames.
Main Results:
- RBC frames showed reduced base shear (up to 13.8% vs. NC-C) and hysteretic energy (up to 29%).
- RBC frames exhibited increased viscous damping energy (29-53%) and modest reductions in floor accelerations (up to 11.8%).
- Interstory drift ratios increased in RBC frames but remained within acceptable ASCE 7 limits.
Conclusions:
- Substituting conventional concrete with rubberized concrete can enhance damping efficiency in RC frames.
- RBC frames demonstrate potential for reduced seismic forces under severe earthquakes.
- The study highlights a trade-off between improved damping and increased interstory drift in rubberized concrete structures.
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