Recycled aggregate concrete: a sustainable built Environment

Abstract

In the present study the influence of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) obtained from three different sources having different ages of structures are on the properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) are investigated. RAC mixes are prepared with each source of RCA separately. In order to assess the performance of RAC in comparison with normal concrete, two normal concrete mixes prepared with 100% natural coarse aggregate. Locally available natural sand is used in all mixes. The compressive strength and the characteristics of interfacial transition zone (ITZ) viz. porosity and microhardness of RAC are studied. The results reveal that the ITZ of RAC is relatively loose and porous than the ITZ in normal concrete.