Estimating elastic modulus of concrete with natural, recycled and secondary aggregates Available to Purchase

The estimation of the elastic modulus of concrete is important in structural design. The characteristics of aggregate, especially its stiffness, have a profound influence on the elastic modulus of the concrete. However, this parameter is found not to be properly considered in the elastic modulus models used in current design codes, or in those developed by established organisations and individual researchers. In this study, the importance of stiffness and water absorption of natural aggregate and recycled and secondary aggregates are discussed. The parameters used in the existing elastic models are presented and three models, namely, ACI 209.2R-08, Eurocode 2 and B4, are assessed for their accuracy in estimating the elastic modulus of concrete made with both natural aggregate and recycled and secondary aggregates. A new empirical model essentially based on aggregate stiffness in the form of aggregate absorption, aggregate content and its ratio to cement content, has been developed for estimating the elastic modulus of concrete made with aggregate suitable for use in structural concrete.