Properties of concrete containing recycled concrete aggregate of preserved quality

This study focuses on evaluating recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) of high quality produced through a protocol that preserves the original properties of the concrete to be recycled. Concrete with RCA of preserved quality was compared to concrete with commercially available RCA. A total of 29 mixes were tested with RCA replacement ranging from 30% to 100% of the coarse aggregate. Results showed that concrete with RCA of preserved quality performed significantly better in compressive strength, drying shrinkage, and salt scaling resistance. Furthermore, the use of 30% RCA with preserved quality produced concrete of comparable quality to that of concrete with natural aggregate.