Experimental analysis of mechanical performance and microstructural behavior of recycled aggregate concrete

¹ Department of Civil Engineering, Mangalore Institute of Technology & Engineering, Badaga Mijar, Moodabidri, India
² Department of Civil Engineering, Universitas Andalas, Padang, West Sumatera, Indonesia
³ Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Universitas Andalas, Padang, Indonesia
⁴ Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Institute Teknologi Mitra Gama, Duri, Riau 28784, Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: rina@eng.unand.ac.id

Abstract

The use of recycled aggregates in concrete offers significant opportunities for material reuse and waste reduction in construction. The utilization offers a sustainable solution to the growing problem of excess waste material, provided that the required quality standards are achieved. The practice of using recycled aggregates has been adopted for decades in several developed European and Asian countries, with research confirming their potential for structural applications. This study presents an experimental investigation into the strength and microstructural properties of recycled aggregate concrete, comparing them with those of natural aggregates. The findings reveal that recycled aggregates generally have lower specific gravity, reduced workability, higher crushing and impact values, and greater water absorption than natural aggregates. However, when subjected to proper treatment and combined with optimized mix proportions, recycled aggregates can produce concrete with satisfactory strength and durability. Therefore, their application not only reduces environmental impact and conserves natural resources but also supports sustainable development in the construction industry.