Influence of the Recycled Concrete Aggregate Features on the Behavior of Eco-Efficient Mixtures
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32, Issue 9
Abstract
The use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) has substantially grown over the last several decades. RCA is a composite material composed of original virgin aggregates (OVA) and residual mortar (RM); it has been found that accounting for RM as part of the total mortar volume in the design of RCA concrete can improve its mechanical and durability-related properties. Moreover, this impact might even be enhanced according to the RCA’s innate quality and features. Yet, there are currently very few quantitative data and evaluation protocols highlighting this influence, especially for eco-efficient RCA mixes. This work presents an experimental (i.e., chemical, mechanical, and nondestructive) characterization of 35-MPa RCA mixes incorporating distinct RCA qualities (i.e., 25, 35, and 45 MPa) and types (crushed limestone versus quartzite gravel) and proportioned through the equivalent volume (EV) method. Results indicate that RCA features may impact the overall performance of RCA concrete; however, RCA particles with distinct features may still be considered for structural applications whether or not a proper mix-design technique is adopted. Finally, the EV method seems to be a suitable strategy to design eco-efficient RCA concrete.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, and code generated or used during the study appear in the published article.
Acknowledgments
The funding for this project was provided by NSERC-CREATE Program on Sustainable Engineering in Remote Areas. The authors would like to thank Dr. Muslim Majeed and Dr. Gamal Elnabelsya from the Materials and Structures Laboratory at University of Ottawa as well as all the undergraduate research assistants who helped with the manufacturing and testing of the concrete specimens used in this project. A special acknowledgement to Natural Resources Canada (CANMET Materials) for all the support to this project.
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 32 • Issue 9 • September 2020
Copyright
©2020 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Jul 28, 2019
Accepted: Feb 19, 2020
Published online: Jun 27, 2020
Published in print: Sep 1, 2020
Discussion open until: Nov 27, 2020
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