Effect of the Fine Recycled Aggregates on the Dynamic Compressive Behavior of Recycled Mortar

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the dynamic behavior of recycled mortar under impact loading using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB). Several mortar mixtures were produced by adding various fine recycled aggregates (FRA) to the mixture in replacement percentages of 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the natural fine aggregate (NFA). The effects of strain rate on compressive strength and specific energy absorption were obtained. Results show that the dynamic compressive strength and specific energy absorption of recycled mortar are highly strain rate dependent; specifically, they increase nearly linearly with the increase in peak strain rate. However, the compressive strength and specific energy absorption of recycled mortar are generally lower than those of NFA mortar (reference samples) under similar high strain rates. The findings of this research can help researchers and construction practitioners to ascertain the appropriate mix design procedure to optimize the impact strength properties of recycled mortar for protective structural application.