PSI - Issue 64

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Rahma Dhemaied et al. / Procedia Structural Integrity 64 (2024) 343–351 Rahma Dhemaied/ Structural Integrity Procedia 00 (2019) 000 – 000

Fig 2: Storage pile for construction and demolition waste

3. Properties of recycled concrete aggregates in pavements 3.1. Physical and mechanical properties

Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) offer several advantageous physical properties that make them increasingly favorable for pavement construction ( Fig. 3 ). Notably, the angular and irregular particle shape of RCA contributes to enhanced interlocking and shear resistance within pavement layers, improving structural integrity (Gomez Soberon, 2002). Additionally, the rougher surface texture and higher porosity of RCA facilitate stronger bonding with cementitious materials, leading to improved interfacial transition zones and potentially better overall pavement performance (Tam et al., 2018). While RCA generally has lower specific gravity and higher water absorption compared to natural aggregates due to the adhered mortar content (Behera et al., 2014; Tang et al., 2021), these properties can be mitigated through proper mix design adjustments. In terms of mechanical properties, RCA often displays lower abrasion resistance (Cassiani et al., 2021), which is a measure of its resistance to surface wear and erosion. This reduced abrasion resistance can impact the long-term durability and skid resistance of pavements constructed with RCA. Furthermore, RCA typically exhibits higher crushing values (Rakshvir and Barai, 2006), indicating a lower resistance to particle breakdown under compressive loads, potentially affecting the load-bearing capacity of pavements.

Fig 3: Recycled concrete aggregate particles showing surface texture