Feasibility study and characterization of aggregates for structural concrete

Abstract

Concrete is an essential material in the civil, architectural and buildings

construction; however, its conventional production does not correspond

to sustainable development. Today, dispense with its use is complex

due to the current requirements of regulations, codes and construction

techniques, which are based on its use almost exclusively, as well as

by its successful implementation. Therefore, the study of alternative

concretes that are more environmentally friendly with proposals to

allow its application, is necessary. The aims of this research are the characterization

of basic properties of aggregates originating from recycled

demolition waste concrete pavements and analyze its feasibility in the

use of recycled structural concrete (RSC). The results indicate that the

recycled aggregate from pavements are lighter, porous and absorbent

than natural aggregates (more accentuated in fine aggregates); despite

this decrease in the quality of its properties, these can be regarded as an

acceptable option in its use as aggregate for structural concrete (small

loss of strength with contents less than 60%).