The effect of mixing method on capillary moisture content of concretes with recycled concrete aggregates

Abstract

Recycled concrete aggregate represents a major environmental burden in the affected area and its use as an aggregate in concrete production is widespread in many countries. However, such aggregates have worse characteristics and strength than those of natural aggregate. In particular they have a higher absorption rate than natural aggregates, need much more water for mixing, and cause a high slump loss rate depending on the elapsed time. In this context, it is possible to monitor globally extensive research aimed on the elimination of improper properties of alternative aggregates, which are an obstacle to their application in concrete. The sorptivity expressed by capillary moisture content is a characteristic of moisture transport into the material, and recently it has been recognized as an important performance characteristic of durability. The paper is focused on the specific approach to concrete mixing as a way of the improvement of recycled aggregate's surface using 3 variations of powders as coating materials and 2 kinds of aggregate. The changes in the capillary moisture content are compared and discussed. It is clear that the kind of coating material can influence this performance parameter significantly, so the careful design of mixing process together with the selection of powdery materials is essential. The triple mixing method was found to be promising for recycled concrete aggregate concrete, when fly ash or recycled concrete powder are used in the first stage of mixing. It is a favourable result, taking into account the perspective of the application of secondary raw materials for concrete production.