Mechanical properties of concrete mixed with recycled powder produced from construction and demolition waste

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 188; pp. 720 - 731
• Main Authors: Xiao, Jianzhuang, Ma, Zhiming, Sui, Tongbo, Akbarnezhad, Ali, Duan, Zhenhua
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01-07-2018
• Subjects: Construction and demolition (C&D) waste; Early-age cracking; Mechanical properties; Recycled powder (RP); Recycled powder concrete (RPC); Workability; Workability; Mechanical properties; Early-age cracking; Recycled powder concrete (RPC); Recycled powder (RP); Construction and demolition (C&D) waste
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.03.277

Partial replacement of Portland cement with recycled powder (RP) obtained from construction and demolition (C&D) waste has been highlighted as a sustainable approach. This paper presents a comprehensive study to investigate mechanical properties and early-age cracking behavior of recycled powder concrete (RPC) made with two water to binder (w/b) ratios and different RP replacement percentages. RP is found to have relatively high fineness and considerable reactivity. Furthermore, the results indicate that mixes with RP have a higher hydration rate than cement mixes without RP. Up to 30% replacement of RP is found to have positive or minimal negative effect on mechanical properties of RPC. Whereas replacement percentages above 45% lead to considerable decrease in all mechanical properties investigated. Therefore, based on the results, RP replacement percentage in the range of 15%–30% is recommended. The addition of RP is found to adversely affect the concrete's workability and early-age cracking; and cracking control measures should be taken.