Title: Influence of Carbonated RCA on the Hardened Properties of Concrete

Author(s): Nicoletta Russo, Federica Lollini

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 355

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 347-356

Keywords: RCA; carbonation treatment; compressive strength; sorptivity; water absorption; chloride penetration resistance; durability; sustainability

DOI: 10.14359/51736042

Date: 7/1/2022

Abstract:
The demolition of reinforced concrete existing structures generates a lot of construction and demolition (C&D) waste that can be used to produce recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) to increase the sustainability of the construction industry. However, the mechanical and durability properties of concrete made with RCA are lower than those of ordinary concrete. Many methods have been proposed in recent years to enhance the properties of RCAs, among which accelerated carbonation is regarded as one of the most effective approaches, bringing benefits related to both the environmental aspect (higher capture and storage of CO₂) and the mechanical/durability issue. This note presents some preliminary results of laboratory tests aimed at evaluating the enhancement of performances of carbonated RCA and of hardened concrete made with carbonated RCA. Carbonation treatments led to an improvement of RCA characteristics and concrete performances such as compressive strength, electrical resistivity, sorptivity, and, to a greater extent, chloride penetration resistance.