An Experimental Study on Mechanical and Durability Properties of Recycled Aggregate Concrete

The increasing demand for natural aggregates in concrete production has led to the depletion of natural resources and environmental concerns. As a sustainable alternative, recycled aggregates derived from demolished concrete structures have gained significant attention in the construction industry. This study investigates the mechanical and durability properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) by replacing natural coarse aggregates with recycled aggregates at varying replacement levels (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%). The primary objective is to assess the feasibility of using recycled aggregates in high-performance concrete while maintaining adequate strength and durability. Experimental investigations were conducted to evaluate the compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, flexural strength, and durability characteristics, including water absorption and chloride penetration resistance. The results indicate that an optimal replacement percentage of recycled aggregates can achieve comparable strength properties to conventional concrete while enhancing sustainability. However, a higher replacement percentage may impact workability and durability due to increased porosity and adhered mortar on recycled aggregates. The study highlights the potential of RAC as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional concrete, contributing to waste reduction and sustainable construction practices. The findings provide valuable insights into optimizing recycled aggregate content to balance performance and environmental benefits.