Comparative Analysis of Physical-Mechanical Properties of Natural and Recycled Aggregate Concretes

Research on the use of construction and demolition waste as recycled aggregate for the production of new concrete has confirmed that they are environmentally friendly and constitute an alternative method of waste management. However, contrary to conventional concrete, no large applications of concrete made with recycled concrete have been made and there is still the literature studies of recycled aggregate properties are different, which indicates the need for further research on the properties of cements from waste. This paper presents and compares the results of a laboratory study on the properties of ordinary concrete (BZ), high-strength concrete (BWW), recycled aggregate concrete (REC). The tensile and compressive strength, modulus of elasticity of these concentrates were marked. The research results proved that the compressive strength of the concrete with recycled aggregate, compared with high-performance concrete, is much lower, but only slightly lower than for ordinary concrete. In turn, the tensile strength of the concrete with recycled aggregate is lower than that of high-performance concrete and ordinary concrete. These values, in the case of the compressive strength are as follows: REC – 52MPa; BWW – 68MPa; BZ – 25MPa, whereas for the tensile strength, they reach: REC – 4 MPa, BWW – 6 MPa, BZ – 5.1 MPa. Statistical analysis showed that the given parameters of the analysed concretes are indeed statistically different. Obtained results indicate that recycled aggregate may be aggregate of standard value and good mechanical properties, even better than of ordinary concrete. The application of recycled aggregate is considered to be a new approach in balanced construction and a superb solution to protect the environment.