Question

Would Portland Cement Concrete from the Demolition of a 50-year old concrete building structure and surrounding concrete parking lot, make for a good supply of recycled aggregate? What are the Pro’s and Con’s of using Recycled Aggregates?

Answer 1

Advantages Of Recycled Aggregate:

• Reduces the amount of virgin aggregates to be created, hence less evacuation of natural resources.
• While being crushed into smaller particles a large amount of carbon dioxide is absorbed. This reduces the amount of CO2 is the atmosphere.
• Cost saving – few research studies have shown a significant reduction in construction costs if RAC is used.
• Conserves landfill space, reduces the need for new landfills and hence saving more costs.
• Creates more employment opportunities is recycling industry.

Disadvantages Of Recycled Aggregate:

• Downgrading of quality of concrete.
• Increase in water absorption capacity ranging from 3% to 9%
• Decrease in compressive strength of concrete (10-30%)
• Reduces workability of concrete.
• Lack of specifications and guidelines.
• Less durability of RAC, however improvement in the durability can be made by mixing it with special materials like fly ash.

Yes,it can used for further construction ,but before use it should be properly crushed and removal of unwanted material like reinforcement, asphalt or soil