Properties investigation of recycled aggregates and concrete modified by accelerated carbonation through increased temperature

Abstract

Carbonation can modify waste concrete aggregate and sequester CO2; however, the slow reaction speed in a room environment limits its industrial application. In this study, the carbonation reaction of recycled coarse aggregates were accelerated at 70 °C. The physical properties of the recycled coarse aggregate before and after accelerated carbonation treatment and the mechanical properties of recycled concrete were tested and evaluated. Based on the results, an increased carbonation temperature can accelerate the carbonation reaction rate of the recycled concrete aggregate. The calcium hydroxide contained was fully carbonated in the first 12 h. Carbonation modification reduced the water absorption rate to 23.6% and the crushing value to 36.2%. Moreover, the mechanical performance of recycled concrete mixed with carbonation-modified aggregates was evaluated through a uniaxial stress–strain constitutive test. The 28 d compressive strength showed a 14.2% increase at 100% substitution of recycled modified aggregates relative to recycled aggregates. The elastic modulus and brittleness of the recycled concrete were also improved.