Investigation Into the Mechanical Properties and Structural Behaviour of Recycled Concrete Members

Abstract

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) are an eco-sustainable alternative to traditional aggregates. The equivalent mortar volume method has been developed to design RCA concrete with comparable mechanical and strength properties to natural aggregate concrete by accounting for the adhered mortar that distinguishes RCA from natural aggregates. This method also presents an opportunity to reduce the cement content of RCA concrete, increasing its cement efficiency. Modifications to mix design procedures were introduced to improve the fresh state properties of RCA concrete with a 19% cement reduction compared to the control mix. Beams cast with the RCA concrete had similar flexural capacity to corresponding control beams, however the shear strength varied as a function of RCA content in the concrete. Polished core samples taken from RCA members showed that crack development and aggregate interlock in RCA members is influenced by the aggregate properties and the spacing of coarse aggregates, indicating that knowing the compressive strength of RCA concrete is not the only parameter required for member design.