Equivalent Mortar Volume (EMV) method for proportioning recycled aggregate concrete: Validation under the Spanish context and its adaptation to Bolomey methodology for concrete proportioning

Abstract

A new method for proportioning recycled aggregates concrete (RAC) is used to check its feasibility under the Spanish context. First, an extensive experimental campaign has been done, with the purpose of check and analyze the applicability of the EMV method with two Spanish recycled concrete aggregates (RCA). The aim of the second part of the investigation, was to elaborate an adaptation of the EMV method to Bolomey methodology (1), using a 20% weight replacement of coarse natural aggregates (NA) for RCA, and so, with this, comply with the Spanish Instruction for Structural Concrete (EHE 2008). Slump, air content, fresh and hardened densities, compressive strength and modulus of elasticity were determined and analyzed, in order to check the concrete properties. Finally, it was observed that, the EMV method is viable, and its adaptation, results in concrete mixes with similar or better properties than the natural aggregate concrete and RAC conventionally prepared.