Sustainability in Concrete Construction by Using
First A. Author, Second B. Author, and Third C. Author
Recycled Concrete as Coarse Aggregates
Abstract This paper presents the outcomes of research
carried out to compare the compressive strength of concrete
using different percentages of recycled coarse aggregates. Six
concrete mixes were cast by using waste material produced by
the commercial testing of concrete samples in the concrete
laboratory i.e., place of research. Waste material was
manually broken into small pieces of size compatible with
different sizes of coarse aggregates generally used in concrete.
Concrete mixes were cast by using these recycled concrete
aggregates in replacement ratios of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%,
80% and 100% by mass of total coarse aggregates calculated
in mix design. Standard samples were cast from these mixes.
Compressive strength, permeability and slump tests were
carried out as per ASTM. The results showed a gradual
decrease in compressive strength as the percentage of recycled
coarse aggregate used in the specimens was increased. A cost
comparison between recycled concrete aggregates and natural
rock aggregates revealed that if we utilize 100% recycled
coarse aggregates in concrete, an overall economy of 23% can
be achieved with only 16% loss in compressive strength.
However, after introducing a super-plasticizer (RHEOBUILD
850), loss in compressive strength was more than compensated
successfully. It was also observed that with increasing
percentage of recycled concrete aggregates, workability
decreased while water permeability of concrete increase.
Index TermsWorkability, Permeability, Compressive
Strength, Super-plasticizer, Slump, Biomass
I. INTRODUCTION
Disposal of waste material in the form of crushed
concrete after quality testing of beams, cylinders, cubes and
other concrete samples in the concrete laboratory of an
engineering college has always been a big environmental
issue. The protection of environment is a major issue
directly associated with the continued existence of human
race. Parameters like protection of natural recourses,
sustainable development, environmental realization, etc.
play a vital role in the modern requirements for
construction works. Construction materials play a vital role
in our lives, because we spend 90% of our time in buildings
or infrastructures like highways, roads, bridges, etc.
Recycling is the act of reprocessing the utilized materials in
producing new products. The utilization of natural
aggregates is getting more and more intensive in
construction industry with the advanced development in
infrastructure field. In order to lessen the cost of natural
coarse aggregates, recycled coarse aggregates can be
utilized as substitute materials. Recycled coarse aggregates
consist of crushed, graded inorganic elements developed
from the materials that could be utilized in the demolition
and construction debris. These materials are taken generally
from bridges, roads, buildings, and sometimes even from
catastrophes, such as earthquakes and wars.
Recycling of old Portland cement concrete pavements
(PCCP) as aggregates in new PCCP construction has also
been proved a viable substitute construction approach in
current years based on number of grounds. This approach
reduces the drain on sometimes restricted local natural
aggregate supply; it often lessens total transportation costs
for materials on a paving project; and it eliminates or
lessens the increasingly critical environmental problem of
proper disposal of waste concrete. Incorporation of the old
concrete as aggregate into the new concrete is a viable
option, provided the recycled concrete aggregate and the
new concrete possess characteristics needed to perform
satisfactorily in the environment and service conditions, to
which these are subjected. For highway pavements, these
conditions may include freezing and thawing, temperature,
moisture effects, and chemical attack by solutions of natural
& deicer materials, all often exacerbated by the surface
wearing load effects of traffic. Park (2001) studied the effect
of recycled coarse aggregates on new aggregates and
concluded that up to 30% replacement has little effect on
strength but more than 30% replacement reduces further
strength. Fong et al. (2002) has reported satisfactory
compressive strength of concrete samples with replacement
value of 25% and 50% recycled coarse aggregates. As the
percentage of RA content was increased, the cube strength
was also reduced.
There will be no negative effects on concrete strength
with replacement of 30% recycled coarse aggregates
according to investigations of Mandal et al. (2002). But the
cube strength properties were gradually decreasing, when
the quantity of recycled material replacement was
increased. They concluded that the strength properties of
recycled coarse aggregate were reduced as compared with
the samples of natural resources. Neela et al. (2011)
investigated the effectiveness of using coarse recycled
concrete aggregate in concrete and concluded that 100%
replacement of conventional coarse and fine aggregates by
recycled coarse and fine aggregates could not meet the
concrete grading requirements. There is an approximate
decrease of 6.12% in compressive strength than the target
strength. 100% replacement by RCA-20 mm resulted in
approximately the same target strength, but with 14.28%
decrease in compressive strength as compared to concrete
with conventional materials. Bradford et al. (2012)
specifically investigated the effects on permeability,
strength properties and density using recycled coarse
concrete aggregate (RCA) in pervious concrete. The coarse
aggregates were substituted by 0, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100%
RCA. As percentage of RCA was enhanced, both
workability and compressive strength normally decreased.
The results showed that up to 50% replacement of coarse
aggregates can be utilized in pervious concrete without
reducing hydraulic conductivity and strength properties
considerably.
Roz-ud-Din and Parviz (2012) investigated the
compressive strength of recycled coarse aggregate concrete
containing milled glass as portioned substitution for
cement. Utilization of milled waste glass was estimated to
manufacture appropriate gains in durability and strength of
recycled coarse aggregate concrete. Hisham et al. (2013)
examined the effect of using recycled coarse aggregate on
the basic characteristics of normal concrete and concluded
that the results of concrete strength had been reduced by 5
to 25% depending on the replacement ratio of recycled
coarse aggregates as well as water/cement ratio. However,
with respect to tensile strength, recycled coarse aggregate
concrete showed a bit lesser results.
II.EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAM
In present study, the compressive strength of concrete
was investigated by substitution of natural aggregates by
recycled coarse aggregates. Recycled coarse aggregates
were prepared by manual hammering of the waste material
to normal sizes of coarse aggregates. In first phase, there
were six batches of concrete; consisting of every 20%
increment of recycled coarse aggregate substitution from
0% to 100%. In second phase of the study, attempt was
made to compensate for the loss of strength by induction of
some appropriate admixture i.e., super plasticizer in
recycled coarse aggregate concrete. For this purpose,
concrete mix with 100% substitution of coarse aggregate by
recycled coarse aggregate was selected due to its minimum
strength observed in comparison with the control specimen.
Increase in strength by adding super plasticizer in two
different concentrations was checked. Following tests were
carried out check the properties of concrete:
a) Workability by Slump test
b) Compressive strength test
c) Water permeability test.
A. Material Used
The materials utilized in the research program are
described here:
1)Cement
The cement utilized was type I ordinary Portland cement.
The chemical composition of the cement used is given in
Table 1.
Table 1: Chemical composition of ordinary Portland
cement
Compound Value (%) Compound Value (%)
CaO 64.25 LOI 0.64
Al2O3 5.5 Na2O 0.2
Fe2O3 3.5 K2 O 1
SiO2 22 SO3 2.9
MgO 2.5
2)Fine aggregates
The fine aggregates utilized in the research work were
locally available Lawrencepur brand Pakistani sand. Sieve
analysis of the sample was carried out according to ASTM
C136-06 in the concrete laboratory of Civil Engineering
Department UET Taxila. The value of fineness modulus
was found to be 2.50 calculated as the sum of cumulative
percentages retained on different sieves. The specific
gravity of the sand was calculated as 2.71 (ASTM C128-79)
and the water absorption of sand during 24 hours was
calculated as 1.20% (ASTM C128-01).
3)Coarse aggregates
Best quality Margalla brand coarse aggregates and
recycled concrete coarse aggregates were utilized in the
research. The recycled crush was produced by using waste
developed by the commercial testing of cubes, cylinders,
beams in the concrete lab. Waste material was broken into
small pieces manually by hammer and chisel to different
standard sizes of coarse aggregates. These sizes were then
separated by passing through sieves of different sizes and
utilized as coarse aggregates as per British Standard BS
410:1962. Recycled concrete aggregates were utilized while
casting concrete samples as per original concrete mix
design with the replacement ratios of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, &
100 percent of natural coarse aggregates. Samples were cast
to carry out compressive strength and water permeability
tests.
Figure 1: Recycled concrete coarse aggregates
Sieve analysis of coarse aggregates was carried out as
per ASTM C136-06. The bulk specific gravity test for
natural coarse aggregates was carried out conforming to
ASTM C 127-81. It gave bulk specific gravity of natural
coarse aggregates as 2.68. The water absorbed by natural
coarse aggregates during 24 hours was calculated using
procedure given in ASTM C12712 as 0.80%. The
moisture content of natural coarse aggregates was also
calculated using procedure given in ASTM C 566-78. It
was noted that the aggregates had 1% moisture content. So
the aggregates were assumed to be dry as the moisture
content percentage was below 10%.
4)Water
The water utilized for mixing of mortar and concrete was
ordinary tap water of concrete laboratory in U.E.T. Taxila.
5)Admixtures
BASF RHEOBUILD 850 was used in the research
program as admixture. It was derived from synthetic
polymers particularly designed to give rheoplastic qualities
to concrete. Typical properties of RHEOBUILD 850 are
given as under:
Color: Dark brown
Specific gravity: 1.210 at 25C
Physical state: liquid
Freezing point: 0C
Chloride content: zero
Standards
EN 934-2 Tables 3.1, 3.2, 11.1 and 11.2
ASTM C-494 Type A, B, D, F and G
B. Casting Schedule
The detailed casting schedule with mix designations is
given in Table 2.
Table 2: Detail of mixes
Sr. No. Designatio
Mix. details
n of mix
1 TR-1 100% NA*
2 TR-2 20% RA**+ 80% NA
3 TR-3 40% RA + 60% NA
4 TR-4 60% RA+ 40% NA
5 TR-5 80% RA+ 20% NA
 6 TR-6 100% RA+ 100% NA Furthermore, it shows that the strength of recycled coarse
7 TR-7 TR-6 with 1.2% admixture aggregate concrete is lower than natural aggregate concrete.
dose The decreasing trend of compressive strength as the
8 TR-8 TR-6 with 1.5% admixture dose percentage of recycled coarse aggregates is increased by an
increment of 20% dictates that each increment drops the
*
NA stands for natural aggregates compressive strength by about 5%. Thus, with 100%
recycled coarse aggregates, approximately 20%
RA stands for recycled coarse aggregates
**
compressive strength properties are dropped at 3, 7, 28, and
C. Casting of Samples 56 days respectively. Figure 3 represents the graphical
representation of SAI for all samples. Strength Activity
Complete casting schedule and details of test specimens index (SAI) is defined as:
are presented in Table 3. In first phase, 12 cubes for
compressive strength properties test and 6 cylinders for
permeability test were cast for each of 6 mixes. Thus, a total SAI = (A/B) x 100
of 72 cubes for compressive strength and 36 cylinders for
permeability test were tested. In second phase of casting, 12
cubes for compressive strength test for each of 2 mix, thus, Where
a total of 24 cubes were cast. After casting, test specimens
were de-molded after 24 hours and kept in the curing tanks A = Strength of RCA (Recycled Coarse Aggregate) Sample
until the specified day of testing. B = Strength of Control Sample (100% Natural Aggregates)

Table 3: Casting schedule and details of test specimens It is obvious from Figure 4 that for TR-2 & TR-6, the line
Age (days) Total for Total for all is steep from 3 to 7 days i.e. sharp gain of compressive
Test details Specimen details strength and is similar to that for the control mix (TR-1).
3 7 28 56 1 mix mix
Compressiv The flat line is obtained from 7 to 28 days for both mixes
e Cubes but the strength is less.
3 3 3 3 12 12 x 8 = 96
Strength (6 6 x 6,)
test
Cylinder
3x6 =
(5.875 x 5.875 - - 3 - 3
Water 18
x 6)
permeability
test Cylinder
3x6 =
(3.875 x 3.875 - - 3 - 3
18
x 6)

III. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

A. Compressive Strength
The results of compressive strength test carried out on
samples having mix ratio 1:2:4 and water cement ratio 0.6
with different percentages of recycled coarse aggregates is
plotted in Figure 2.
The compressive strength test results show decreasing
trend of compressive strength with the increase in
percentage of recycled coarse aggregates i.e. percentage of
natural coarse aggregates is decreased.
Figure 3: Graphical representation of SAI for all samples at different ages
Figures 4 shows the comparison of rate of gain of strength
as the percentage of recycled coarse aggregates is increased
by 20% in each. Mix with 100% natural aggregates (TR-1)
was chosen as the for TR-2 as compared to control mix.
From 28 to 56 days, flat line is obtained for both mixes. The
strength is again decreased for TR-2 as compared to control
mix.

Figure 2: Compressive strength of cubes at all ages

Figure 4: Comparison of rate of gain of compressive strength

 In case of TR-3 versus TR-1, from 3 to 7 days, the curve
is steep i.e. sharp gain of strength similar to that for the
control mix. However, a flatter line is obtained from 7 to 28
indicating that the rate of gain of strength decreases as
compared to control mix. From 28 to 56 days, again steep
curve is obtained but the overall strength is lesser as
compared to control mix.
It is also obvious from Figure 4 that for TR-4 & TR-5,
the trend is opposite to that of TR-3. Less steep line is
obtained from 7 to 28 days i.e., the low rate of gain of
strength decreases as compared to control mix. However,
from 28 to 56 days, flatter line is obtained indicating slow
rate of gain of strength as compared to control mix.
1)Inclusion of Super-Plasticizers
Based on the compressive strength test results, the mix
with 100 percent recycled coarse aggregate (TR-6) was
selected for induction of super plasticizer to compensate for
the loss of compressive strength as compared to the mix
with 100% natural aggregates (TR-1). For this purpose, two
mixes were made. The admixture RHEOBUILD 850 was
utilized with 1.2% and 1.5% dose by the mass of cement.
Results of the mixes are shown in Figure 5.
Fig 5: Compressive strength of cubes at all testing ages after induction of
admixture
Figure 5 indicate that by addition of admixture, the
compressive strength is substantially increased, especially
at the early ages of concrete. The compressive strength loss
due to recycled coarse aggregates is more than compensated
by the addition of admixture in the selected but weakest
mix.
Figure 6 shows comparison of rate of gain of
compressive strength for all tested mixes. It concludes that
as the percentage of recycled coarse aggregates is increased
from TR-1 to TR-6 the compressive strength decreases
gradually. However, the introduction of super-plasticizer in
TR-6 comprehensively increases the compressive strength
and compensates the loss of compressive strength due to
utilization of recycled aggregates.
Fig 6: Comparison of rate of gain of compressive strength after admixture
addition
B. Water Permeability of Concrete
Water permeability of concrete was tested by the water
penetration test at the age of 28 days. The results are
graphically presented in Figure 7. It reveals that water
penetration increases as the replacement ratio of recycled
coarse aggregates is increased from 20 to 100%. The
increase in permeability of concrete with increasing
percentage of recycled coarse aggregates is due to greater
porosity of recycled coarse aggregates. As the percentage of
recycled coarse aggregates is increased, the overall porosity
of recycled coarse aggregate concrete is also increased
resulting in enhanced water permeability of concrete. There
are many solutions to reduce the permeability of recycled
coarse aggregate concrete but one of the most effective is to
utilize micronized biomass silica (MBS). Micronized
Biomass Silica (MBS) is an agricultural waste product
comprising of high silica content. Various percentages of
MBS ranging from 0% to 20% by mass have been utilized
as cement replacement material. MBS reduces water
permeability of recycled coarse aggregate concrete up to
about 47%.
Fig 7: Mix designation versus permeability (cm)
C. Slump Test
Figures 8 and Figure 9 show a graphical representation
of slump test results. The slump test indicates a decreasing
trend of workability with the increasing percentage of
recycled coarse aggregates. Furthermore, it is observed that
slump increases as the percentage of super-plasticizer is
increased in concrete mixes.

Figure 8: Slump test results (Bar format)
The average slump values obtained for TR-2 to TR-6 are
decreasing and there may be problem of the placement and
compaction of fresh concrete. The workability was low as
slump value was just 35 mm for TR-6 (100% RCA). The
reason for this may be the higher absorption capacity of
recycled coarse aggregates. Results obtained show that
workability was decreasing when more recycled coarse
aggregates were utilized. However, there was no difficulty
for the compaction and placement of fresh concrete when
admixture utilized in last two batches i.e. TR-7 and TR-8.
Figure 9: Slump test results (Curve format)
IV. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
A. Conclusions
With the increase of recycled concrete aggregate
content in concrete, slump value and consequently
workability of concrete decreases. However, with the
addition of suitable plasticizer, workability may be
increased.
There is slight decrease in compressive strength
properties of concrete by the replacement of aggregates
by recycled coarse aggregates. This decrease in
compressive strength properties progressively increases
by the increase in recycled coarse aggregate
percentage. However, it has been observed that there is
only 16% reduction in compressive strength properties,
even if we utilization 100% recycled coarse aggregates
in concrete. If proper super plasticizer is utilized
decrease in compressive strength properties in case of
100% replacement by recycled coarse aggregates, can
be more than compensated i.e., 158% of natural
aggregate concrete.
Significant increase in permeability of concrete was
observed by replacing natural aggregates with recycled
concrete. To compensate this water proofing chemical
will prove helpful.
Great economy may be achieved in construction by
using recycled concrete as coarse aggregates.
B. Recommendations
Dosage of Rheobuild 850 admixture at 1.5 % by the
mass of cement is recommended to get the compressive
strength of concrete with crushed natural aggregate, even at
100% replacement of coarse aggregates by recycled coarse
aggregates.
REFERENCES
[1] Bradford, M., Berry, Mark, J., Suozzo, Ian, A., Anderson, and Mandar
M. Dewoolkar, Properties of Pervious Concrete Incorporating
Recycled Concrete Aggregate, TRB Annual Meeting, 2012.
[2] Winston F.K. Fong, Jaime S.K. Yeung, and C.S. Poon, Hong Kong
Experience of Using Recycled Aggregates from Construction and
Demolition Materials in Ready Mix Concrete, 267-275, International
Workshop on Sustainable Development and Concrete Technology,
Beijing, 2004.
[3] Hisham, Q., and Iqbal, M., Towards Better Understanding of Concrete
Containing Recycled Concrete Aggregate, Advances in Materials
Science and Engineering, 2013(1), Article ID 636034, 8 pages, DOI:
10.1155/2013/636034, 2013.
[4] Mandal, S., Gupta, and A., Strength and Durability of Recycled
Aggregate Concrete, Towards a Better Built Environment: Innovation,
Sustainability, Information Technology, International Association for
Bridge and Structural Engineering, 33-46(14), Melbourne, 2002.
[5] Neela Deshpande, S. S., Kulkarni, and Nikhil Patil, Effectiveness of
using Coarse Recycled Concrete Aggregate in Concrete, International
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[6] Park, S. G., Effect of Recycled Coarse Aggregate on New Concrete,
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101, ISSN 0113-3675, 2001.
[7] Roz-ud-Din, N., and Parviz, S., Strength Properties and Durability of
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