Performance of High-Grade Concrete with Full Substitution of Aggregates by Recycled Concrete

Abstract

On the background of the need for reuse of building rubble and the saving of natural resources, a European Union research project was performed covering concrete technology and durability aspects. A very special precondition was the use of large-scale processed building rubble with unknown origin and the total replacement of aggregates above 2 mm. Comprehensive tests were carried out on the properties of the starting material from different processing plants and fresh concrete, particularly the interdependence of water addition and workability. Investigations on hardened concrete properties included strength development, creep and shrinkage, modulus of elasticity, capillary absorption, freezing and thawing resistance, and carbonation behavior over a long period. The results demonstrate that the industrial production of a high-grade, durable concrete is possible. The project is a promising contribution for sustainable development.