Tensile strength behaviour of recycled aggregate concrete

This paper provides a systematic literature review, based on the identification, appraisal, selection and synthesis of publications relating to the effect of incorporating recycled aggregates, sourced from construction and demolition wastes, on the tensile strength of concrete. It identifies various influencing aspects related to the use of recycled aggregates such as replacement level, size and origin, as well as mixing procedure, chemical admixtures, additions and strength development over time. In this paper, estimated values, using the Eurocode 2 method to determine the tensile strength over time, were compared with the actual measured values, showing little correlation and therefore new coefficients are proposed. This paper also presents the relationship between the tensile and compressive strengths according to Eurocode 2. The results suggest that, regardless of the replacement level, type, and quality of the recycled aggregate used, the resulting recycled concrete tends to exhibit a similar relationship to that of the corresponding natural aggregate concrete.