WASTE CONCRETE AS A SOURCE OF AGGREGATE FOR NEW CONCRETE

Abstract

Three concrete mixes of widely differing water cement ratios were made using crushed waste concrete as coarse aggregate. The properties investigated include the physical properties of the recycled aggregate, the compressive and flexural strengths of the concrete. These properties were compared with those of similar concrete specimens made with conventional natural aggregate. Also tested was the compressive strength of concrete cubes cut from the waste concrete. Results of the tests suggest that the strength of concrete made from recycled waste concrete aggregate is dependent on the strength of the original concrete from which the recycled aggregate is derived. It is concluded that recycled aggregate can be used to produce quality concrete when the strength of concrete required is not greater than the strength of the original concrete from which the recycled aggregate is derived.