The suitability of concrete using recycled aggregates (RAs) for high-performance concrete

The use of recycled construction and demolition waste (CDW) as concrete aggregate has been studied over the recent years, although, there have only been a few attempts to utilize recycled aggregates in the production of high-performance concrete (HPC) due to the limitations imposed by the inherent defects of mentioned aggregates. This chapter describes the influence on the properties of the fresh and hardened state of recycled HPC by different types of recycled aggregates, produced from concrete, ceramic, and mixed waste. It is necessary to employ “high-quality” coarse recycled concrete aggregates in the production of a 100% recycled HPC to obtain similar mechanical and durability properties to those of natural aggregates. It has been determined that the employment of fly ash also improves the durability of recycled HPC. The high water absorption capacity of the ceramic and mixed aggregates, used as fine recycled aggregates caused a beneficial internal curing, reducing shrinkage, and increasing their suitability with respect to those of natural aggregate concrete.Peer Reviewe