Critical Review of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Properties, Improvements, and Numerical Models
Matthew Upshaw, C.S. Cai
Abstract
A literature review of the latest advancements in recycled aggregate concretes with regards to identifying properties, improving performance, and numerical modeling is presented in this paper. Although the properties of recycled aggregate concrete are widely considered to be inferior to those of natural aggregate concrete, research in the field still is of merit due to growing awareness of environmental concerns relating to the concrete construction and demolition industry. In addition, some methods have been proposed to improve the properties of recycled aggregate concrete, with the use of geopolymer binders in place of portland cement showing the most potential. In addition to further research regarding the improvement of properties of concrete made with recycled aggregates, the development of numerical models that accurately represent the behavior of recycled aggregate concrete under loading are essential to the industrial implementation of the technology.