Effect of Recycled Concrete Aggregates on Compressive Strength and Water Permeability of Concrete

This paper discusses the effects of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) on compressive strength and permeability of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) by using recycled concrete aggregates as a replacement of natural coarse aggregates (NCA). Four replacement percentages were used to study the effect of replacement. Replacement percentages used were 30%, 50%, 70% and 100% with 0% replacement was used as control. Mix design of 1:1.24:2.6 was used in the study with water to cement ratio of 0.43. Influence of RCA on compressive strength was determined for all the mixes as per ASTM C39 standard. The permeability of all the mixes was determined by measuring absorption, sorptivity and Darcy’s coefficient. Results of compressive strength indicated that concrete with 30% replacement of NCA can be successfully used in structural concrete without compromising too much on strength. Whereas, the replacement of natural aggregates with RCA has a negative impact on the permeability of concrete at all replacement levels. Absorption, sorptivity and permeability of natural aggregate concrete is lower as compared to RAC with 30% replacement showing the better performance as compared to other replacement ratios.