Mechanical Testing Analysis of the Addition of Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) to Normal Concrete

Abstract

Normal concrete has good compressive strength, but it still has limitations in tensile strength, ductility, and crack resistance. This study aims to analyze the effect of adding Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR) latex on the mechanical properties of normal concrete, including compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and modulus of elasticity. The study used a laboratory experimental method with a quantitative approach. The concrete mix was designed for a target strength of fc’ 25 MPa with SBR variations of 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% by cement weight. Cylindrical specimens measuring 15 cm × 30 cm were cured in water for 28 days. The results showed that SBR latex improved the workability, compressive strength, and splitting tensile strength of concrete. Compressive strength increased from 23.281 MPa to 26.33 MPa, while splitting tensile strength increased from 2.62 MPa to 3.17 MPa at the 12% SBR variation. However, the modulus of elasticity showed a non-linear pattern, indicating that SBR addition does not always increase concrete stiffness. Overall, the 12% SBR variation produced the best results for compressive strength and splitting tensile strength and showed a tendency to make the concrete more deformable.