Abstract
An investigation of mechanical behaviour and elastic properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is presented. RACs were prepared by using a coarse aggregate fraction made of recycled concrete coming from a recycling plant in which rubble from concrete structure demolition is collected and suitably treated. Several concrete mixtures were prepared by using either the only virgin aggregates (as reference) or 30% coarse recycled aggregate replacing gravel and by using two different kinds of cement. Different water-to-cement ratios were adopted ranging from 0.40 to 0.60. Concrete workability was always in the range 190–200 mm. Concrete compressive strength, elastic modulus, and drying shrinkage were evaluated. Results obtained showed that structural concrete up to C32/40 strength class can be manufactured with RAC. Moreover, results obtained from experimentation were discussed in order to obtain useful information for RAC structure design, particularly in terms of elastic modulus and drying shrinkage prediction.
Highlights
Crushing concrete to produce coarse aggregate for the production of new concrete is one common means for achieving a more environmentally friendly concrete
In Italy, the use of 30% recycled concrete instead of virgin aggregate is definitively allowed for producing structural concretes since July 2009 [11]
The content in recycled concrete fraction of chlorides, sulphates, and organic materials were evaluated according to the methods recommended by UNI EN 1744-1 [15] and the presence of alkali-silica reactive materials according to the method recommended by UNI EN 8520-22 [16]
Summary
Crushing concrete to produce coarse aggregate for the production of new concrete is one common means for achieving a more environmentally friendly concrete. The use of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) is acquiring particular interest in civil construction as regards to sustainable development. Many studies demonstrate the feasibility of the use of crushed concrete as coarse aggregates [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10], its use being already accounted for in the regulations of many countries. In Italy, the use of 30% recycled concrete instead of virgin aggregate is definitively allowed for producing structural concretes (up to C 30/37 strength class) since July 2009 [11]. The study of the elastic behaviour of concretes made of 30% recycled-concrete aggregates, discussed here, just had the aim to provide useful information
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
