Effect of Recycled Aggregates on the Energy Dissipation Capacity of RC Beam subjected to Reverse Cyclic Flexural Loading

Abstract

The energy dissipation capacity of concrete is an important aspect for a Reinforced Concrete (RC) structure to be seismically resistant. Various types of concrete incorporating sustainable materials are being developed these days such as recycled aggregate concrete. Determination of energy dissipation capacity of such new types of concrete is of great importance for their application in RC structures which are to be constructed in seismically active areas. In this regard, the experimental study presented in this contribution investigated the energy dissipation capacity of RC beams constructed using recycled aggregate concrete and subjected to three different deflection amplitude levels of reverse cyclic flexural loading. For this purpose, a total of 20 RC beams of cross section 75 x 150 mm and length of 1350 mm were cast using five different concrete compositions and tested. Among five different concrete compositions, one was control concrete containing 100% natural aggregates while the remaining four compositions were of recycled aggregate concrete containing natural and recycled aggregates. Four replacement levels (25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates were examined. Results indicated that the amplitude level of imposed deflection is an important factor which influenced the value of energy dissipated by RC beams. Further, results showed that RC beam constructed using recycled aggregate concrete containing 25% recycled aggregates exhibited energy dissipation capacity similar to or even better than that of control RC beam containing 100% natural aggregates.