Strength and durability characteristics of high-strength concrete with recycled aggregate-influence of processing

Protection of environment, conservation of natural aggregate resources, and sustainable constructions are the three important essences of any modern development. The utilization of recycled aggregate (RA) in concrete is one such attempt. Generally, use of RA is restricted to lower grade applications because of its strength and durability problems. The use can be extended to high-strength concrete with suitable processing and improved mixing techniques. In the present paper, the influence of processing of RA, on compressive strength and durability properties (water absorption, sorptivity, chloride ion penetration, drying shrinkage, and abrasion resistance) for high-strength concrete is reported. From the experimental results, it was concluded that the 'processed recycled aggregate' enhanced the strength and durability properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC), when compared with unprocessed RA. The degree and extent of processing influence the properties of RAC. After processing, recycled aggregate can replace natural aggregate up to 50% in concrete of strength grades 70 MPa or higher.