Title: Precast Concrete Wall Panels Incorporating Mixed Recycled Aggregates

Author(s): Xiaoguang Chen, Zeger Sierens, Elke Gruyaert, and Jiabin Li

Publication: Materials Journal

Volume:

Issue:

Appears on pages(s):

Keywords: aesthetic characteristics; architectural precast concrete; mechanical property; mixed recycled aggregate (MRA); natural carbonation; resilience; sustainability; self-compacting concrete (SCC); surface electrical resistivity

DOI: 10.14359/51737333

Date: 11/2/2022

Abstract:
Mixed recycled aggregate (MRA) is considered a sustainable construction material, and its use in precast concrete is currently banned due to its poor engineering performance. This paper aims to evaluate the feasibility of partial replacement of natural coarse aggregate with MRA in self-compacting concrete (SCC) for manufacturing architectural precast concrete sandwich wall panels. To this end, five MRAs from recycling plants were characterized, out of which two were selected to develop SCC. SCC mixtures with three replacement levels and three water compensation degrees were produced, and their physical, mechanical, durability and aesthetic properties were examined. The results showed that the incorporation of MRA dominated the mechanical properties of SCC, while the water compensation degree primarily affected the flowability and carbonation resistance. The presence of MRA had no considerable effect on the aesthetic characteristics. Up to 10% MRA in weight of total aggregates could be used in precast SCC.