Studies on Strength and Related Properties of Concrete Incorporating Aggregates from Demolished Wastes: Part 2—Compressive and Flexural Strengths

Abstract

In an earlier study, a comprehensive and critical review of previous investigations into the assessment of the strength of concrete incorporating aggregates from demolished wastes was conducted and it was concluded that there was a stark absence of results from the South African sub-continent including Botswana. In the present study, recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) sourced from demolished wastes collected from a landfill site in Gaborone, Botswana was used in lieu of natural coarse aggregates for the manufacture of concrete. With reference to the natural coarse aggregate, RCA replacement levels of 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% were utilized and the results of hardened concrete tests for compressive and flexural strengths were obtained. It was found that in general the compressive and flexural strengths of the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) decreased with increasing replacement levels of natural coarse aggregates using RCA. It was concluded that RCA could be employed as a substitute for natural aggregate in concrete only up to a certain limit or partial replacement. In this respect, it was also noted that the undesirable properties of RCA were primarily due to the quantity and quality of the adhering mortar.