Evaluating the Durability Characteristics of Recycled Aggregate Concrete: A Performance Analysis

Abstract

The rapid pace of industrialization and population growth has significantly increased the demands placed on the construction industry. The continuous extraction and quarrying of natural aggregates (NA) for construction purposes are leading to the depletion of natural resources, creating a substantial demand for these materials. Additionally, industrialization contributes to the accumulation of large quantities of construction and demolition waste, often ending up in landfills. To mitigate the environmental impact and reduce the dependence on natural resources, there is a growing effort to incorporate recycled aggregates in conventional concrete by partially replacing coarse aggregates with recycled materials. Aggregates, which constitute 70% of the total volume of concrete, are crucial for its strength and stability. The present study investigates the strength properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) by examining M60 grade concrete, where natural aggregates are partially substituted with recycled aggregates. Furthermore, moisture movement—a critical factor affecting the durability of RAC—is analyzed by comparing it with that of normal concrete. To assess the durability properties and determine the suitability of RAC under challenging conditions, tests such as permeability, sorptivity, and Rapid Chloride Penetration Test (RCPT) are conducted on both normal concrete and RAC.