RUCONBAR – Rubberised Concrete Noise Barriers
Summary:
The RUCONBAR, developed by the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Civil Engineering, in
cooperation with Beton Lučko d.o.o. and Gumiimpex – GRP, represents a successful example of
industrial symbiosis and sustainable innovation in construction. RUCONBAR technology uses
rubber granules derived from end-of-life car tires as an aggregate in concrete production,
resulting in noise barriers that are both environmentally sustainable and functionally effective.
Main description:
RUCONBAR was developed as a result of collaborative project between University of Zagreb,
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Beton Lučko d.o.o., and Gumiimpex – GRP d.o.o. This partnership
successfully combined academic research, industrial production expertise, and advanced
recycling technologies to create a sustainable solution for urban noise protection. Beton Lučko
d.o.o. is a prominent Croatian company specializing in the production of prefabricated concrete
elements. With decades of experience in infrastructure and civil engineering projects, the
company contributed its technical knowledge in concrete formulation, acoustic testing, and
industrial-scale production of the RUCONBAR barriers.
RUCONBAR involves the development of prefabricated noise barriers made from concrete
mixtures enriched with up to 40% granulated rubber from discarded car tires. These barriers are
not only highly sound-absorbent and effective in mitigating urban noise pollution, but they also
significantly reduce the use of raw materials such as gravel and sand.
Each kilometer of 3-meter-high RUCONBAR barriers reuses approximately 7.800 waste tires,
which equates to 46.4 tonnes of recycled rubber granules. The final product features a porous
and lightweight structure, with excellent acoustic properties and enhanced durability.
Beyond rubber, the RUCONBAR model also highlights the potential of incorporating other forms of
construction and demolition waste (e.g., rubble, crushed stone, asphalt, bricks, plaster,
concrete, marble) into construction applications, further enhancing its alignment with circular
economy principles.
Resources needed:
Access to consistent supply of recycled rubber granules
Environmental benefits:
RUCONBAR delivers substantial environmental benefits by repurposing large quantities of end-of-
life vehicle tires – approximately 7.800 tires, or 46.4 tonnes of recycled rubber granules, per one kilometer of 3-meter-high barriers. This significantly reduces the volume of waste sent to landfills or incineration. Compared to conventional concrete noise barriers, RUCONBAR achieves a 31% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily due to the use of recycled materials and reduced energy consumption in production. The RUCONBAR also decreases the demand for raw materials such as gravel, clay, and timber, contributing to the protection of natural ecosystems from overextraction and deforestation. Additionally, RUCONBAR enhances urban environmental quality by offering effective noise mitigation through its porous, sound-absorbent structure –
making it both an ecologically and functionally superior alternative for infrastructure development.
Economic benefits:
Cost-effective substitution of raw materials in construction process, strengthened industrial
symbiosis between the waste management and construction sectors, long-term savings on
material sourcing and environmental compliance.
