STRUCTURAL CONCRETE WITH INCORPORATED

RECYCLED CONCRETE COARSE AGGREGATES

Influence of the curing conditions on the mechanical behaviour


Nuno Miguel dos Santos Fonseca


ABSTRACT
This research aims at evaluating the effect of the incorporation of recycled concrete coarse
aggregates on the properties of the concrete, as well as analysing the influence of the curing
conditions on mechanical properties of recycled coarse aggregates concrete. In particular, the
relations between the compressive strength, the splitting tensile strength, the elasticity modulus
and the abrasion resistance are investigated and discussed in detail.
In order to accomplish these purposes, cylindrical and cubic specimens were cast, for testing
the aforementioned hardened properties of the concrete, with four different concrete mixes: a
conventional reference concrete and three concrete with substitution rates of 20, 50 and 100%
of natural coarse aggregates by recycled concrete coarse aggregates. All mixes were prepared
with a water / binder ratio of 0.43. Four curing methods were performed, namely, laboratory
curing, water curing, wet chamber curing and outer environment curing, to cure the cylindrical
and cubic specimens, until the day of testing.



KEYWORDS:
Construction and demolition waste; Concrete; Recycled concrete coarse aggregates;
Mechanical behaviour; Curing conditions.



January 2009
Structural concrete with incorporated recycled concrete coarse aggregates

2
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 PRELIMINARY REMARKS
The use of recycled aggregates (RA) in concrete opens a whole new range of possibilities in
reusing materials in construction. Reuse of waste concrete as RA in new concretes is beneficial
from the view point of environmental protection and preservation of resources. This could be an
important breakthrough for society in its endeavour towards sustainable development.
Preceding studies were mainly engaged in the processing of demolished concrete, mix
proportion design, mechanical properties, durability aspects and improvements. Recently,
structural performances and economic aspects of using recycled aggregate concrete have also
been analysed. Some previous research results on the mechanical behaviour of recycled
aggregate concrete (RAC) have been reviewed by Hansen (1992) and Brito (2005). It was
shown that, in fact, none of those works indicated that RAC is unsuitable for structural
applications.
Recent investigation on the performance of concrete made with recycled concrete fine
aggregates (EVANGELISTA, 2007) and recycled concrete coarse aggregates (GOMES, 2007),
as well as on the influence of the pre-saturation of recycled concrete coarse aggregates
(FERREIRA, 2007), has given positive results, which further supports and encourages the
possibilities of applying RAC in civil engineering structures.

1.2 SCOPE AND METHODOLOGY OF THE INVESTIGATION
The mechanical behaviour of RAC depends on the characteristics of the RA, mix proportions
and curing conditions. Despite the fact that there are several studies concerning the first two,
there is a lack of information regarding the influence of the curing conditions on RAC properties.
As such, this dissertation aims at assessing the influence of the curing conditions on the
mechanical characteristics of recycled concrete coarse aggregate concrete (RCCAC), as well
as evaluating the effect of the incorporation of recycled concrete coarse aggregates (RCCA) on
the properties of the concrete. Compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, elasticity
modulus and abrasion resistance are investigated.
Proper curing maintains a suitably warm and moist environment for the development of
hydration products, thus reducing the porosity in hydrated cement paste and increasing the
density of the concretes microstructure. The hydration products extend from the surfaces of
cement grains, and the volume of pores decreases due to proper curing under appropriate
temperature and moisture conditions. If a concrete is not well cured, particularly at an early age,
it will not gain the desired properties and durability due to a lower degree of hydration, and will
undergo irreparable loss (RAMAN, 2007).
Researching international and national experimental campaigns was the primary stage of this
investigation. The collected information constituted a repository which refers the most important
properties of the aggregates, the experimental test results, and the conclusions of each
campaign. A common observation made in all the different works on this matter is that of a
generalized worsening of the mechanical properties of the RAC, with the increase of the
substitution rate of natural aggregates (NA) by RA, when compared with natural aggregate
Influence of curing conditions on mechanical behaviour


3
concrete (NAC) (concrete produced with NA only or regular concrete).
After this step, the experimental program was planned and executed. The RCCA and NA (fine
and coarse) were analysed, but their results were not listed in detail in this abstract. Four
different concrete mixes were produced, along with four different curing methods. In order to
establish a legitimate assessment between different mixes and/or different curing conditions,
fresh concrete tests analyses were carried out, so as to maintain the same slump and
workability. After the curing period, the hardened concrete tests were performed.
Subsequent to this stage, the experimental results were analysed, having been discussed in
detail. Correlations were established between the properties of the RCCAC and the density and
water absorption of the aggregates, the substitution rate of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) by
RCCA, and the curing conditions as well.

2 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
2.1 MATERIALS
recycled concrete coarse aggregates (RCCA): the RA were produced in a
laboratory, using a concrete jaw crusher; the primary concrete was industrially
manufactured and cast in situ at the laboratory;
natural aggregates (NA): the NA (limestone) were provided by the primary fresh
concrete supplier, in order to be identical to the ones used in the RA primary concrete;
cement: ordinary CEM II A-L 42.5 R Portland cement was used; the cement required
was collected from the same batch of production of RA primary concrete to avoid
adding any further variables;
water: tap water was used for mixing and curing.

2.2 MIX DESIGN
Four different concrete mixes were produced: a conventional reference concrete (NAC) and
three recycled concretes (RAC) with substitution rates of 20, 50 and 100% of NCA by RCCA. All
concrete mixes (NAC and RAC) were prepared based on an effective water / binder ratio of
0.43 and were balanced to have a slump of 80 10 mm. The proportions of the materials were
determined on the basis of absolute volume of the constituents. The details of NACs mixture
proportions are given in Table 2.1. The characteristics of the reference concrete are:
concrete class: C 30/37;
slump class: S2;
exposure class: XC3;
binder: CEM II A-L 42.5 R Portland;
aggregates maximum size: D
max
= 25.4 mm;
chemical and mineral admixtures: none.

2.3 CURING CONDITIONS
The test specimens were subjected to four types of curing conditions, namely: laboratory
conditions curing (LCC); outer environment curing (OEC); wet chamber curing (WCC); water
immersion curing (WIC).
Structural concrete with incorporated recycled concrete coarse aggregates

4
Table 2.1 Mixture proportions of natural aggregate concrete (NAC)
NAC
4 - 5.6 0.050
5.6 - 8 0.044
8 - 11.2 0.044
11.2 - 16 0.091
16 - 22.4 0.112
N
C
A

22.4 - 25.4 0.043
Sand 1 0.062
Sand 2 0.202
Cement 0.144
Vwater 0.192
Vvoids 0.015
1.000

Regular tap water was used in WIC and the curing temperature was maintained at 16.3 C. The
WCC specimens were kept under a relative humidity of 100% and 20.0 C temperature. In the
case of OEC, the specimens were exposed to the weather, without any kind of protection, and
were continuously monitored with a thermo-hygrometer. Similarly to that, the LCC specimens
were preserved in laboratory, but protected from harsh weather changes.

2.4 TESTING OF AGGREGATES
The particle size distribution was determined in accordance with EN 933-1 (1997) and EN 933-2
(1995). The particle density and water absorption were measured following EN 1097-6 (2000).
The bulk density was determined in accordance with EN 1097-3 (1998). The aggregates
resistance to abrasion was measured by the Los Angeles loss test following LNEC E-237
(1970). The water content was determined in accordance with EN 1097-5 (2008). The shape
index was measured following EN 933-4 (2008). Water absorption in time was determined
following the methodology established by Ferreira (2007).

2.5 TESTING OF FRESH CONCRETE
The fresh concrete was produced using a revolving drum concrete mixer. Immediately after the
mixing, it was tested for slump and density. The slump was determined according to Abrams
slump test following EN 12350-2 (1999). The concretes fresh density was measured according
to EN 12350-6 (1999).

2.6 TESTING OF HARDENED CONCRETE
The 7, 28 and 56-day compressive strength of the concrete was determined in accordance with
EN 12390-3 (2001). The 28-day tensile splitting strength was measured following EN 12390-6
(2000). Youngs modulus / elasticity modulus in compression was measured following LNEC E-
397 (1993). The abrasion resistance was determined by Bhmes grinding wheel wear test, in
accordance with DIN 52108 (2002).
Influence of curing conditions on mechanical behaviour


5
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
3.1 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH
The development of compressive strength with age is illustrated in Figure 3.1. The test results
at 7, 28 and 56-day are presented in Figure 3.2. Detailed results are accessible in Table 6.1, in
the Appendix.


Figure 3.1 Compressive strength evolution with age

OEC LCC WCC WIC

Concrete age = 7 days
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
0 20 40 60 80 100
Ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA (%)
f
c
m

(
M
P
a
)

Concrete age = 28 days
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
0 20 40 60 80 100
Ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA (%)

Concrete age = 56 days
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
0 20 40 60 80 100
Ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA (%)

Figure 3.2 Variation of the compressive strength with the ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA
Structural concrete with incorporated recycled concrete coarse aggregates

6
With all curing methods, concretes compressive strength increased with age. The averages of
the compressive strength (f
cm
) at 7, 28 and 56-day are, respectively, 42.8, 49.8 and 51.6 MPa.
Generally speaking, after 7 days of curing the specimens revealed 80% of their 56-day
compressive strength and 95% after 28 days.
It was expected that compressive strength would decrease linearly with the substitution of NCA
by RCCA. This, however, was not the case. In fact, the compressive strength of all the different
concretes typologies differs by no more that 7.5%, in relation to NAC. Therefore, no distinct
relation can be established between the compressive strength and the proportion of RA in the
concrete mix. For the same reason, RCCAC do not seem to be more, or less, affected by curing
conditions than conventional concrete.
It is considered that the properties of the RCCA are similar to the concretes binder matrix, thus
not constituting a weak spot. Therefore, the particle size distribution, shape and surface texture,
have a huge effect on the concretes compressive strength. The upper values of compressive
strength for RAC can be explained by the higher porosity and roughness of the RCCA, which
balance their lesser strength.

3.2 SPLITTING TENSILE STRENGTH
The results for the 28-day splitting tensile strength of concrete are presented in Figure 3.3 and,
in detail, in Table 6.2, in the Appendix.
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA (%)
S
p
l
i
t
t
i
n
g

t
e
n
s
i
l
e

s
t
r
e
n
g
t
h

(
M
P
a
)
OEC LCC WCC WIC

Figure 3.3 Variation of the splitting tensile strength with the ratio of NAC substitution by RCCA

Generally, the 28-day splitting tensile strength decreased with the improvement of the
incorporation of RCCA. It varied from 2.37 to 3.88 MPa for different RCCA incorporation
percentages and curing methods. All RAC100 typologies exhibit the lower values of splitting
tensile strength, with the exception of WCC specimens that reveal a slightly higher value than
NAC-WCC.
The tensile strength results are very inconstant and, as a result, the correlation coefficients are
not acceptable. Nevertheless, the OEC specimens results reveal a very good determination
coefficient (R
2
= 0.808).
The RAC specimens kept in OEC conditions appear to be more harmed by this curing method
than regular concrete. The LCC and WIC curing methods exhibit a similar development with the
Influence of curing conditions on mechanical behaviour


7
increase of the incorporation of RCCA; therefore, they do not seem to be more, or less, affected
by the curing conditions than conventional concrete. On the other hand, WCC specimens reveal
an unusual variation, with splitting tensile strength increasing with the NCA substitution by
RCCA. It must be noted that the correlation in this curing condition is very low (R
2
= 0.106), for
which reason no clear conclusion can be reached.

3.3 ELASTICITY MODULUS
The results for the elasticity modulus in compression of concrete are presented in Figure 3.4
and, in detail, in Table 6.3, in the Appendix.
The modulus of elasticity decreased, with the increase in the incorporation of RCCA. It varied
from 30.6 to 43.4 GPa for different RCCA incorporation ratios and curing methods.
28
30
32
34
36
38
40
42
44
46
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA (%)
E
l
a
s
t
i
c
i
t
y

m
o
d
u
l
u
s

(
G
P
a
)
OEC LCC WCC WIC

Figure 3.4 Variation of the elasticity modulus with the ratio of NAC substitution by RCCA

The LCC specimens display the lowest elasticity modulus values. In view of the fact that this
curing method involved only minor relative humidity, this reduction is related to moisture
movement from the specimens. Since moisture moved out with the increase in age and the
concrete specimens were dried with increasing exposure lengths, the microstructure of concrete
remained porous and resulted in a lower modulus of elasticity.
The variation of the LCC specimens elasticity modulus (Figure 3.4) suggests that RCCAC is
less affected by this curing condition than regular concrete (decrease with RCCA incorporation
still exists, but with a slighter rate). However, the divergence is minimal and not clear. The
remaining curing conditions (OEC, WCC and WIC) had all included elevated relative humidity
and all exhibit extremely similar correlations with RCCA incorporation. Therefore, they do not
seem to be more, or less, affected by the curing conditions than conventional concrete.

3.4 ABRASION RESISTANCE
The results for the abrasion resistance of concrete are presented in Figure 3.5 and, in detail, in
Table 6.4, in the Appendix.
Since curing conditions strongly affect concretes surface layer, it is noted that the test
specimens (71x71x50 mm
3
) were obtained by sawing larger concrete cubes (100 mm edge)
Structural concrete with incorporated recycled concrete coarse aggregates

8
after curing. This action was done in order to avoid the existence of the concretes surface
finishing as a variable in the test. Thus, the test surface is the cutting surface itself, i.e., an
internal plane of the concrete element, composed by aggregates and binder mix, and not an
outer surface.
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Ratio of NCA substitution by RCCA (%)

l

B
A
R

/

l

B
R
OEC LCC WCC WIC

Figure 3.5 Variation of the abrasion resistance with the ratio of NAC substitution by RCCA

The irregular variation of abrasion resistance values, in all curing conditions, does not allow the
establishment of a clear relation between this property and the incorporation of RCCA.
Excluding the RAC50-WCC, which reveals a 10% higher wear than NAC, the abrasion
resistance of all others concretes typologies differs by no more than 5.4%, in relation to NAC,
which is not statistically significant from an experimental point of view.
On the other hand, it must be noted that all RAC100 specimens reveal the lowest loss of
thickness and subsequently higher abrasion resistance. For that reason, it can be concluded
that the incorporation of RCCA leads to a better performance, in what concerns abrasion
resistance. This can be explained by the better connections established between the binder and
the RCCA, in view of their higher porosity.
In what concerns the curing conditions influence, no clear conclusion can be reached.
Nevertheless, the lower values of variations suggest that RCCAC do not appear to be affected
any differently than conventional concrete. These results indicated that the performance of
mixes incorporating RA is comparable to the concrete mix in which 100% NCA was used.

4 CONCLUSIONS
The use of RAC should always take into consideration that they have, in most cases, a lower
performance when compared to conventional concrete. Still, RCCAC can acquire adequate
quality as structural concrete. The following conclusions can be drawn based on the
experimental results and the respective discussion of the study:
(1) Compressive strength does not seem to be affected by RCCA incorporation or by different
curing conditions, when compared with conventional concrete.
(2) Splitting tensile strength decreases with the increase in RCCA incorporation. Recycled
concrete specimens maintained in OEC conditions seem to be more harmed than
specimens of conventional concrete.
Influence of curing conditions on mechanical behaviour


9
(3) Elasticity modulus decreases with the increase of RCCA percentage. Recycled concretes
specimens maintained in LCC seem to be slightly affected by RCCA incorporation. The
elasticity modulus of RCCAC kept in the other curing conditions (OEC, WCC and WIC)
does not seem to be more, or less, affected than conventional concrete.
(4) Abrasion resistance test values reveal an erratic variation; therefore, no correlation can be
established. Nevertheless, all RAC100 typologies present the lowest wear. The lower
values for variation suggest that the performance of mixes incorporating RA is comparable
to conventional concrete, independently of curing conditions.
While this field presents many possibilities (and necessities) of investigation if the behaviour of
recycled aggregates concretes is to be fully understood, it can be concluded from the results of
this experimental study that these aggregates do indeed reveal a potential for being used in the
production of structural concrete.

5 REFERENCES
BRITO, J. (2005) Recycled aggregates and their influence on concretes properties (in
Portuguese). Public lecture within the full professorship in Civil Engineering pre-admission
examination, Lisbon.
DIN 52108 (2002) Testing of inorganic non-metallic materials: Wear test with the grinding
wheel according to Bhme.
EN 933-1 (1997) Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates. Part 1: Determination of
particle size distribution. Sieving method.
EN 933-2 (1995) Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates. Part 2: Determination of
particle size distribution. Test sieves, nominal size of apertures.
EN 933-4 (2008) Tests for geometrical properties of aggregates. Part 4: Determination of
particle shape. Shape index.
EN 1097-3 (1998) Tests for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates. Part 3:
Determination of loose bulk density and voids.
EN 1097-5 (2008) Tests for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates. Part 5:
Determination of the water content by drying in a ventilated oven.
EN 1097-6 (2000) Tests for mechanical and physical properties of aggregates. Part 6:
Determination of particle density and water absorption.
EN 12350-2 (1999) Testing fresh concrete. Part 2: Slump test.
EN 12350-6 (1999) Testing fresh concrete. Part 6: Density.
EN 12390-3 (2001) Testing hardened concrete. Part 3: Compressive strength of test
specimens.
EN 12390-6 (2000) Testing hardened concrete. Part 6: Tensile splitting strength of test
specimens.
EVANGELISTA, L. (2007) Performance of concrete made with fine recycled concrete
aggregates (in Portuguese). MSc Dissertation in Civil Engineering, Instituto Superior Tcnico,
Lisbon.
Structural concrete with incorporated recycled concrete coarse aggregates

10
FERREIRA, L. (2007) Structural concrete with incorporation of coarse recycled concrete
aggregates: Influence of the pre-saturation (in Portuguese). MSc Dissertation in Civil
Engineering, Instituto Superior Tcnico, Lisbon.
GOMES, M. (2007) Structural concrete with incorporation of concrete, ceramic and mortar
recycled aggregates (in Portuguese). MSc Dissertation in Civil Engineering, Instituto Superior
Tcnico, Lisbon.
HANSEN, T. (1992) Recycling of demolished concrete and masonry. Report of technical
committee 37-DRC, Demolition and Reuse of Concrete, Taylor & Francis, London.
LNEC E-237 (1970) Aggregates: Los Angeles abrasion test.
LNEC E-397 (1993) Concrete: Determination of elastic modulus in compression.
RAMAN, S.; SAFIUDDIN, MD.; ZAIN, M. (2007) Effect of different curing methods on the
properties of microsilica concrete. Australian journal of basic and applied sciences, 1(2), pp. 87-
95, INSInet Publication.

Influence of curing conditions on mechanical behaviour


11
6 APPENDIX
Table 6.1 Compressive strength at 7, 28 and 56-day
3
rd
FASE 4
th
FASE
OEC
fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 7 (MPa) (%) fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 56 (MPa) (%)
NAC 49.7 - 42.8 - 51.6 - 51.6 -
RAC20 48.3 -2.8 39.6 -7.5 51.3 -0.5 51.8 0.4
RAC50 47.6 -4.2 42.0 -2.0 50.4 -2.2 51.7 0.2
RAC100 47.9 -3.6 41.8 -2.3 49.3 -4.3 49.1 -4.7
3
rd
FASE 4
th
FASE
LCC
fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 7 (MPa) (%) fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 56 (MPa) (%)
NAC 48.7 - 42.7 - 50.3 - 53.1 -
RAC20 45.0 -7.5 43.0 0.6 49.1 -2.3 53.3 0.5
RAC50 48.0 -1.4 42.1 -1.5 49.8 -0.9 52.0 -2.0
RAC100 45.1 -7.2 45.2 5.8 51.3 2.1 53.7 1.2
3
rd
FASE 4
th
FASE
WCC
fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 7 (MPa) (%) fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 56 (MPa) (%)
NAC 43.6 - 43.1 - 49.3 - 49.0 -
RAC20 44.8 2.8 43.0 -0.2 48.7 -1.2 48.6 -0.8
RAC50 46.8 7.4 42.0 -2.6 48.4 -1.8 51.1 4.3
RAC100 44.7 2.6 42.8 -0.8 47.7 -3.3 50.6 3.2
3
rd
FASE 4
th
FASE
WIC
fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 7 (MPa) (%) fcm 28 (MPa) (%) fcm 56 (MPa) (%)
NAC 47.9 - 44.0 - 51.0 - 53.3 -
RAC20 45.3 -5.3 43.9 -0.2 49.4 -3.2 52.5 -1.5
RAC50 48.5 1.3 43.7 -0.7 49.5 -3.0 52.0 -2.4
RAC100 45.7 -4.4 43.0 -2.4 49.4 -3.2 52.7 -1.0

Table 6.2 Splitting tensile strength
OEC LCC WCC WIC

fctm 28 (MPa) (%) fctm 28 (MPa) (%) fctm 28 (MPa) (%) fctm 28 (MPa) (%)
NAC 3.88 - 2.89 - 2.85 - 3.17 -
RAC20 3.05 -21.4 2.62 -9.1 2.37 -16.9 3.45 8.6
RAC50 3.22 -17.0 2.90 0.6 2.60 -8.5 3.33 4.9
RAC100 2.40 -38.0 2.44 -15.5 2.86 0.6 2.77 -12.7

Table 6.3 Elasticity modulus
OEC LCC WCC WIC

ECm 28 (GPa) (%) ECm 28 (GPa) (%) ECm 28 (GPa) (%) ECm 28 (GPa) (%)
NAC 40.3 - 36.3 - 41.5 - 43.4 -
RAC20 39.6 -1.7 35.2 -3.1 41.1 -0.8 37.1 -14.6
RAC50 39.0 -3.3 35.6 -1.8 37.9 -8.5 38.7 -11.0
RAC100 31.9 -20.9 30.6 -15.7 32.4 -22.0 33.5 -22.9

Table 6.4 Abrasion resistance

OEC LCC WCC WIC

lm (mm) (%) lm (mm) (%) lm (mm) (%) lm (mm) (%)
NAC 1.7 - 2.1 - 1.9 - 1.8 -
RAC20 1.5 -13.9 1.9 -9.6 1.9 2.3 1.8 -2.6
RAC50 1.8 5.4 1.8
-11.4
2.1
10.2
1.9
3.9
RAC100 1.4 -15.5 1.8
-11.4
1.8
-4.1
1.6
-9.8