Studies on the post cracking behaviour of Recycled Aggregate Concrete beams at elevated temperature

PurposeThe majority of previous studies made on Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) are limited to the utilisation of non-structural grade concrete due to unfavourable physical characteristics of RCA including the higher absorption of water, tending to increased water requirement of concrete. This seriously limits its applicability and as a result it reduces the usage of RCA in structural members. In the present study, the impact of hybrid fibres on cracking behaviour of RCA concrete beams along with the inclusion of reinforcing steel bars under two-point loading system exposed to different sustained elevated temperatures are being investigated.Design/methodology/approach RCA is substituted for Natural Coarse Aggregates (NCA) at 0, 50 and 100 percentages. The study involves testing of 150 mm cubes and beams of size (700 × 150 × 150) mm, i.e. with steel reinforcing bars along with the addition of 0.35% Steel fibres+ 0.15% polypropylene fibres. The specimens are being exposed to temperatures from 100° to 500°C with 100° interval for 2 h. Studies were made on the post crack analysis, which includes the measurement of crack width, crack length and load at first crack. The crack patterns were analysed in order to understand the effect of fibres and RCA at sustained elevated temperatures.FindingsThe result shows that ultimate load carrying capacity of reinforced concrete beams and load at first crack decreases with the raise in temperatures and increased percentage of RCA content in the mix. Further that 100% RCA replacement specimens showed lesser cracks when compared to the other mixes and the inclusion of fibres enhances the flexural capacity of members highlighting the importance of fibres.Practical implicationsRCA can be used for structural purposes and the study can be projected for assessing the performance of real structures with the extent of fire damage when recycled aggregates are used.Social implicationsMost of recycled materials can be used in the regular concrete which solves two problems namely avoiding the dumping of C&D waste and preventing the usage of natural aggregates. Hence the study provides sustainable option for the production of concrete.Originality/valueThe reduction in capacity of flexural members due to the utilisation of recycled aggregates can be negated by the usage of fibres. Hence improved flexural performance is observed for specimens with fibres at sustained elevated temperatures.