Flexural strength behaviour of two-hollow interlocking concrete block inclusion with recycled concrete aggregate

Abstract

In this study, the flexural strength of two hollow, interlocking concrete blocks (ICBs) made from 50 % recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) was determined under three-point loading. The study used a 1:4 concrete mix in which 50 % of the sand was replaced with recycled concrete aggregate. There was also a control mix without RCA and superplasticiser. The flexural strength, and compressive strength of the interlocking concrete blocks were determined after 7, 14 and 28 days of curing. The two-hollow interlocking concrete blocks (THICB) exhibited optimum strength for the elements, indicating the potential usability of RCA as a component of a mortar mix. The result shows that the compressive and flexural strength of the concrete blocks increased with the recycled concrete aggregate content. Replacing the fine aggregate with RCA of 0 and 50 % therefore has a significant effect on improving important properties of the ICBs.