Compressive Strength of Concrete Based on Recycled Aggregates

Abstract

Recycled aggregate concrete is considered the next generation in the field of construction: it respects the environment, solves the problem of debris management and is economically profitable. In order to better adapt its use, technical studies, experimental studies and simulations are carried out in all research centers around the world in order to define its field of application. Our study falls within this framework. It is concerned with the study of the mechanical characteristics of recycled aggregate concrete essentially the compression test for various percentages of replacement. The purpose of this study is to confirm the results of studies by other researchers and to find techniques that will maximize the replacement of natural aggregates with recycled aggregates. The concrete chosen for these tests is an old building in the region of Rabat, Morocco which has been built more than 40 years and demolished in the year of 2017. The tests carried out showed a decrease in the compressive resistance noted when the replacement rates exceed 50% rate. The first improvement methods were put in place and being tested: the partial replacement of cement with pozzolan (20% rate) known by his improving of the compressive strength for ordinary concrete, the partial replacement of the large proportion [12.5–31.5] only in recycled concrete and work with natural gravels. Other improvements will be proposed as the studies progress.