Recycled brick masonry aggregate concrete : use of recycled aggregates from demolished brick masonry construction in structural and pavement grade portland cement concrete

Reuse of construction waste as aggregates is becoming increasingly popular for a number of environmental and economic reasons. In this study, structural- and pavement-grade portland cement concrete (PCC) mixtures were developed using crushed recycled brick masonry from a demolition site as a replacement for conventional coarse aggregate. Prior to developing concrete mixtures, testing was performed to determine properties of whole clay brick and tile, as well as the crushed recycled brick masonry aggregate (RBMA). Concrete mixtures exhibiting acceptable workability and other fresh concrete properties were obtained, and tests were performed to assess mechanical properties and durability performance of the hardened concrete. Results indicated that recycled brick masonry aggregate concrete (RBMAC) mixtures can exhibit mechanical properties and durability performance characteristics comparable to that of structural- and pavementgrade PCC containing conventional coarse aggregates. Based on current North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) requirements, the suitability of RBMAC for use in pavement applications was evaluated, and the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide procedure was used to compare the potential performance of RBMAC pavement to conventional PCC pavement. Results indicated that RBMAC provides acceptable performance in pavement applications, where its thermal properties produce thinner pavement sections than PCC. This research gives designers a first look at some of the salient material properties that will influence future use of RBMA and RBMAC