Effect of Fine Aggregate Type on Workability and Compressive Strength of Recycled Aggregate Concrete

Abstract

The ever-increasing need of infrastructure around the globe gave rise to consumption of concrete ingredients at faster pace and generates huge quantum of the construction and demolishing waste. Both factors are serious problem to environment and waste management. Therefore, this research article presents the laboratory investigation on the effect of type of fine aggregates in recycled aggregate concrete prepared with recycled aggregates from demolished concrete. It will not only reduce the waste management to some extent, help in preserving the environment, avoid health problems of inhabitants, but also help in preserving the conventional sources of aggregates. Three types of fine aggregates, i.e. river sand, pit sand and hill sand are used. The concrete using 1:2:4 mix and 0.5 water cement ratio is designed in two groups. First group used only conventional aggregates whereas, in second group 50% recycled aggregates from demolished concrete are used. In each group three batches using river sand, pit sand and hill sand are used. Slump test of each batch is conducted. In each batch 5 cylinders of standard size are prepared, cured for 28-days and tested for compressive strength. Obtained results showed better performance of conventional concrete with river sand but the induction of recycled aggregates affected both workability and compressive strength. The workability of recycled aggregate concrete with river sand was better (-14%) compared to concrete with hill sand (-20%). However, slump values for all batches remained within limits specified for normal concrete. Use of hill sand in recycled aggregate concrete showed better performance in terms of compressive strength as the residual compressive strength was recorded equal to 86% in comparison to conventional concrete with river sand. Keywords: Recycled aggregate concrete, workability, compressive strength, type of sand, fine aggregates, demolishing waste, green concrete..