Properties of Concretes Produced with Recycled Concrete Aggregates

ABSTRACT: The usage of concrete dates back to 19th century after discovery of cement. Normally, concrete making materials are cement, aggregates, water and mineral or chemical admixtures. On the other hand, usage of natural aggregates from seashore, river beds or other sources can damage our earth seriously if it is not done according to environmental regulations. Therefore, scientists are trying to improve recycled materials to be used as aggregates. One solution for this need is recycled concrete aggregates. There are already many old buildings which are demolished due to their economic life. Cyprus is also a candidate for using recycled aggregates in concrete. Nowadays, aggregates from Beşparmak mountains are being used as crushed limestone aggregates (both fine and coarse). From the literature, it is known that usage of recycled concrete as aggregates has some limitations for strength and freeze-thaw resistance. This study aims to perform experimental studies to investigate the properties of concretes produced with recycled aggregates obtained from concrete samples at waste yard of Materials of Construction Laboratory, EMU in North Cyprus. Various experiments such as compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, nondestructive tests, density and freeze-thaw resistance for two different concrete classes (C20/25, C30/37) were done. Keywords: Environmental impact, Recycled concrete aggregates, Natural aggregates, Concrete strength. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………