Synopsis
Effects of using recycled concrete of different qualities as coarse aggregate upon the strength and deformation of concrete are reported. Tests on the aggregates showed that the recycled concrete aggregates have lower specific gravity and higher absorption capacity than the original crushed granite aggregate. The resistance to mechanical actions such as impact, crushing and abrasion for the recycled concrete aggregates is also lower. The effects of using recycled concrete aggregates instead of natural aggregates in concrete are: reduction in compressive strength up to 25%; reduction in modulus of elasticity up to 30%; improvement in damping capacity up to 30%; and higher amounts of drying shrinkage and creep. Available methods of predicting the modulus of elasticity on the basis of compressive strength for conventional concrete overestimate the modulus of elasticity for recycled-aggregate concretes.
