Physical performance, durability, and carbon emissions of recycled cement concrete and fully recycled concrete

Abstract

This study introduces innovative concepts for closed-loop recycling waste concrete to produce fully recycled concrete (FRC). Multiple test methods and characterization techniques were used to evaluate the physical properties and durability of four types of concrete (normal concrete, recycled aggregate concrete, recycled cement concrete and FRC). The fresh density, compressive strength, ultrasonic characteristics, chloride resistance, water adsorption properties, carbonation behaviors, and microstructure characteristics of these concretes were investigated. The water absorption behavior of FRC can be divided into three stages, with the initial stage having a water absorption rate three times that of ordinary concrete. It was found that carbonation depth varied among different concrete types, influenced by binder quality, which can affect the porosity and mechanical properties. Overall, recycled cement concrete and FRC demonstrate considerable potential for reducing carbon emissions, with total emissions of 59.152 kgCO2/m3, representing an 85 % reduction compared to ordinary concrete.