Improvement of recycled concrete aggregate properties by polymer treatments

Abstract

The recycling of concrete, bricks and masonry rubble as concrete aggregates is an important way to contribute to a sustainable material flow. The limited reuse of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA), even partially, instead of natural aggregates, can be explained by the influence on the properties of fresh and hardened new RCA-based concretes. Experimental studies were carried out on the improvement of RCA performance, especially water absorption and fragmentation resistance. The use of polymer based treatments was applied and then the performance achieved was characterized in order to show the relevance of such polymer treatment. Beneficial effects of appropriated polymer based treatments applied on RCA were obtained especially lower water absorption and better fragmentation resistance.