The Strength and Length Change Properties of Recycled Aggregate Concrete(RAC) by Compressive Strength Levels

Abstract

This paper addresses mechanical properties and length change performance of the recycled aggregate concretes(RAC) in which natural coarse was replaced by recycled coarse aggregate(RCA) by compressive strength levels(20, 35, 50 MPa). A total of 9 RAC were produced and classified into three series, each of which included three mixes designed with three compressive strength levels of 20 MPa, 35 MPa and 50 MPa and three RCA replacement ratios of 0, 50 and 100%. Physical/Mechanical properties of RAC were tested for slump test, compressive strength, and length change. The test results indicated that the workability of RC could be improved or same by RCA replacement ratios, when compared with that containing no RCA. This is probably because of the RCA shape improving the workability of RAC. Also, the test results showed that the compressive strength was decreased by 9~10% as the RCA replacement ratios increase. However, the length change ratio by the RCA replacement ratios increased regardless of compressive strength levels. At 20 MPa level, the length change ratio was 8~40% which was much higher than that of 4~17% at both 35 and 50 MPa levels. Therefore, it was considered that such admixture addition preventing dry shrinkage is required in order to improve the properties of the RAC at 20 MPa level.