Rheological, physico-mechanical and durability properties of multi-recycled concrete

The present work looks at the possibilities of recycling more than once demolished concrete as coarse aggregates, to produce new concrete. Different concrete mixes were made with substitutions of 50%, 75% and 100% of recycled concrete aggregates respectively as coarse aggregates. The physico-mechanical characterization tests carried out on the recycled concrete aggregates revealed that they are suitable for use in obtaining a structural concrete. The resulting concrete materials had rheological parameters, compressive strengths and tensile strengths very slightly lower than those of the original concrete even when 100% of two cycles recycled concrete aggregates were used. The durability of the recycled aggregates concrete was assessed through water permeability, water absorption and chemical attacks. The obtained concretes were thought fit for use as structural materials. A linear regression was developed between the strength of the material and the number of cycles of concrete recycling to anticipate the strength of the recycled aggregates concrete. From the results, it appear clear that recycling demolished concrete represents a valuable resource for aggregates supply to the concrete industry and a the same time plays a key role in meeting the challenge for a sustainable development.