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%).