Experimental Investigation on the Effect of Curing Condition and Admixture on Meso-Structure of Recycled Aggregate Concrete Based on X-ray CT

This study addresses the meso-structure of recycled aggregate concrete with different admixture and c;uring condition. The RCA (Recycled concrete aggregate) with admixture of slag power and fly ash and curing condition of steam was casted. X-ray CT (Computed tomography) was used to obtain meso-structure of RCA, and the pore structure, aggregate, and interface traction zone were analyzed. The results show that steam curing not only increases the pore volume but also makes the pore morphology more complex, the fractal dimension increases, the proportion of spherical pores decreases, and the pores develop from spherical to flat and slender with the increase of steam curing temperature. The porosity of micron pores in recycled aggregate concrete is about 2.3%, in which the pores with aperture less than 300 mu m accounts for more than 85%. The thickness of the interface area between recycled aggregate and new mortar is about 200 mu m, and the crack width in recycled aggregate is about 300- 400 mu m.

Automated summary

This study investigates the meso-structure of recycled aggregate concrete under different admixture and curing conditions. Recycled concrete aggregate with slag power and fly ash admixture was casted and subjected to steam curing. X-ray CT was employed to analyze the meso-structure, including pore structure, aggregate, and interface traction zone. The results reveal that steam curing increases the pore volume and complexity of morphologies, with a shift from spherical to flat and slender pores. The porosity of micron pores in recycled aggregate concrete is about 2.3%, predominantly comprising pores with an aperture less than 300 μm.