Effect of recycled aggregate on performance of granular skeleton

Abstract

A full understanding of the characteristics of the granular skeleton comprising different percentages of conventional and recycled aggregates is requisite to the reusability of construction and demolition waste. This study analyzed the effect of partially replacing natural aggregate with recycled concrete (RCA) and mixed (RMA) aggregates on the performance of granular mixtures. Each type of aggregate was characterized physically, chemically, mineralogically, and mechanically, and the physical and mechanical properties of the mixtures were assessed. Correlations were established to predict the optimal mixture proportions. The recycled aggregates analyzed met most requirements laid down in the national legislation and complied with international recommendations. The mixtures exhibited a close linear correlation between the properties analyzed and the recycled aggregate replacement ratios. For concrete, the upper limit was 75% for RCA and RMA, and for the base and intermediate layers in medium/low traffic roads, 75% for RCA and 35% for RMA.