Variation in mechanical properties of concrete having recycled brick aggregates, recycled concrete aggregates and recycled plastic aggregates: A review
Syed Nasir Abbas, Muhammad Irshad Qureshi
Abstract
Current Review evaluates the effect of recycled brick aggregates (RBA), recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and recycled plastic aggregates (RPA) on the mechanical properties of concrete workability and compressive strength as well as splitting tensile strength and flexural strength through previous research findings. The inclusion of RCA and RPA decreased all concrete strength measures yet RBA led to improved splitting tensile strength . The meager workability of concrete containing RBA resulted from its open texture but both RCA and RPA showed superior workability when compared to conventional concrete. The lowest workability deterioration reached 71.43 % in concrete with 100 % RBA yet concrete containing 50 % RPA actually increased workability by 88.89 % compared to conventional concrete. The strength reduction of concrete was most significant with 47.20 % when RBA was used but not as high with RCA at 35.90 % or RPA at 26.06 %. The tensile splitting strength reduction due to RCA together with RPA reached 29.60 % and 38.99 % while concrete specimens containing RBA, RCA and RPA showed flexural strength declines of 49.66 %, 52.11 % and 53.33 % compared to standard concrete. The strength properties of concrete reduced when using recycled aggregates but these applications proved beneficial for the growing population by producing sustainable and cost-effective concrete. The application of RBA and RCA and RPA in concrete requires additional research to find strengthening techniques for structural viability.