Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) methodology for estimating its long-term properties

Abstract

In this paper, a methodology for prediction of long-term properties of recycled aggregate concrete is presented, based on an extensive literature review of international experimental campaigns on this type of environment-friendly concrete. The methodology presented is based on the previous determination of the main properties of the aggregates (density and water absorption), primary and recycled, coarse and fine, and alternatively the 7-day compressive strength of concrete made with those aggregates. The methodology is validated, based on a graphical analysis of the most important properties of hardened concrete (compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, splitting and flexural tensile strength, shrinkage, creep, water absorption, and carbonation and chloride penetration depth). It is concluded that the methodology can predict the long-term performance of recycled aggregate concrete as compared with an equivalent conventional concrete and that this prediction can be used to adapt structural design to this material.