Accelerated calcite precipitation (ACP) method for recycled concrete aggregate (RCA)

Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) is often used as a replacement of virgin aggregate in embankments, roadbed, asphalt and concrete pavements. The use of RCA in drainage systems as pipe backfill materials has not received a large attention due to clogging potential. Calcite precipitation is one of major causes of permittivity reduction in filter fabrics. The calcite formation is a long-term process; thus, a means to evaluate the potential of calcite precipitation in an accelerated manner is necessary. In this study, an accelerated calcite precipitation (ACP) procedure of RCA was developed, and its performance was evaluated. Two types of ACP methods were devised: short-term and long-term simulations. The long-term ACP procedure can be used to determine maximum lifetime calcite precipitation while the short-term ACP procedure can be used to evaluate the effect of test variables (e.g. aggregate type, fine content, etc.) on the calcite precipitation.