Comparative study on durability of concrete using recycled and natural aggregate

Abstract

This research provides insight of experimental study on performance of concrete produced from natural and recycled aggregates. The strength of recycled aggregate concrete and its durability is still questionable as compared to the concrete with natural aggregates. The intention of this research was to assess the longevity and durability of concrete specimens composed of both conventional and recycled aggregates. This experiment involved preparing concrete specimens with recycled aggregate at 0%, 50% and 100% using a M25 mix design. The physical and mechanical characteristics of the concrete specimens such as compressive test, UPV test and split tensile strength test were assessed over a period of 28 days. The water absorption is very crucial as it can lead to concrete degradation and reduced durability over time. The results of this study indicate that strength of concrete using recycled aggregates along with silica fume and metakaolin shows enhanced mechanical properties. Therefore, recycled aggregates may be a viable and ecologically acceptable and substitute to natural aggregates in the preparation of concrete.

Keywords

• recycled aggregate concrete (rac)
• durability
• mineral admixtures
• compressive strength
• natural aggregate concrete (nac)