Abstract
The search for more sustainable construction materials, capable of complying with quality standards and current innovation policies, aimed at saving natural resources and reducing global pollution, is one of the greatest present societal challenges. In this study, an innovative recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is designed and produced based on the use of a coarse recycled aggregate (CRA) crushing concrete with electric arc furnace slags as aggregate. These slags are a by-product of the steelmaking industry and their use, which avoids the use of natural aggregates, is a new trend in concrete and pavement technology. This paper has investigated the effects of incorporating this type of CRA in concrete at several replacement levels (0%, 20%, 50% and 100% by volume), by means of the physical, mechanical and durability characterization of the mixes. The analysis of the results has allowed the benefits and disadvantages of these new CRAs to be established, by comparing them with those of a natural aggregate concrete (NAC) mix (with 0% CRA incorporation) and with the data available in the literature for concrete made with more common CRA based on construction and demolition waste (CDW). Compared to NAC, similar compressive strength and tensile strength values for all replacement ratios have been obtained. The modulus of elasticity, the resistance to chloride penetration and the resistance to carbonation are less affected by these CRA than when CRA from CDW waste is used. Slight increases in bulk density over 7% were observed for total replacement. Overall, functionally good mechanical and durability properties have been obtained.
Highlights
90% of construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are currently going to landfills even though they are potentially recyclable [1]
The concrete waste used incorporates a by-product of the steelmaking industry (EAFS), waste production and natural aggregate consumption are reduced
The use of RCA with a water absorption twice that of natural aggregates (NA) requires compensation water, but the rounded shape of the RCA produced from concrete with electric arc furnace slags (EAFS)
Summary
90% of construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are currently going to landfills even though they are potentially recyclable [1]. Concrete with electric arc furnace slags (EAFS) as aggregate is based on the use of waste (from the steel industry) that would otherwise be deposited in landfills. In this case, the reduction of CO2 emissions in the processes without taking into account the transport and manufacturing of the.
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