CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION
In India, a huge quantity of construction and demolition wastes is produced
every year. These waste materials need a large place to dump and hence the disposal of
wastes has become a severe social and environmental problem. On the other hand
scarcity of natural resources like river sand is another major problem which results in
increasing the depth of river bed resulting in drafts and also changes in climatic
conditions. Hence it becomes necessary to protect and preserve the natural resources.
The possibility of recycling demolition wastes in the construction industry is thus of
increasing importance. In addition to the environmental benefits in reducing the
demand of land for disposing the waste, the recycling of demolition wastes can also
help to conserve natural materials and to reduce the cost of waste treatment prior to
disposal.
To minimize the waste generated from demolition process, the recycled concrete
wastes used as coarse aggregate in concrete. It is also used to reduce the construction
costs. To utilize the waste generated from structures. To use various waste materials in
construction units. To achieve the sustainable development of structural engineering.
To find the alternative of basic materials which are used in construction from past
many years. (Sherwood, 1995).The largest proportions of demolition waste are
concrete rubbles. It has been shown that the crushed concrete rubble, after separated
from other construction and demolition wastes and sieved, can be used as a substitute
for natural coarse aggregates in concrete or as a sub-base or base layer in pavements.

Successful application of recycled aggregate in construction projects has been

reported in some European and American countries, as reviewed by Desmysteret al.
(2000). The limited use of recycled aggregate in structural concrete is due to the
inherent deficiency of this type of material. In comparison with natural normal weight
aggregates, recycled aggregates are weaker, more porous and have higher values of
water absorption. The results of research studies by Hendrikset al. (1998) show that,
when recycled aggregates obtained from crushed concrete are used to replace up to
20% by weight of the coarse natural aggregate in concrete, little effect on the
properties of concrete is noticed.
The concrete strength decreases when recycled concrete was used and the
strength reduction could be as low as 40%. However, no decrease in strength was
reported for concrete containing up to 20% to 40%, but beyond these levels, there was
a systematic decrease in strength as the content of recycled aggregates increased. The
strength characteristics of concrete is affected by the quality of recycled aggregate at
high water/cement ratio, it was not affected when the water/cement ratio is low. This
study is carried out to determine the feasibility of using of recycled aggregate as
concrete. The concrete is expected to achieve its desired strength in stipulated period.
The effect of replacing the natural coarse aggregates with crushed concrete the
properties of concrete is reported.

1.1 NEED FOR STUDY

To utilize the waste generated from the structures. To use various waste
materials in construction units. To achieve the sustainable development of structural
engineering. To find the alternative of basic materials which are used in construction
from past many years.

1.2 IMPORTANCE OF STUDY

To reduce the dumping place required for disposal of solid waste. It enhancing
the combustible process of solid wastes. Due to scarcity of natural resources like river
sand, quarries etc. It needs to reduce the congestion due to demolition wastes at peak
places such as traffic areas, markets etc.

1.3 JUSTIFICATION
The study will carried out locally to check the feasibility of using recycled
aggregates in concrete. This study is taken to achieve the strength of recycled concrete
aggregate like as natural coarse aggregate. It leads to reduce an economical cost. And it
also used to reduce solid waste disposal.

CHAPTER 2
LITERATURY REVIEW
Madan MohanReddy.K, Bhavani.R, Ajitha. B (2012).In this study the use of
crushed construction and demolition waste as a Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)
in the production of new concrete was investigated. They had tested Compressive
strength, Moister Content, Water Absorption, Specific Gravity, Abrasion Value,
Impact Value, Crushing Value, Bulk Density, Aggregate Thickness, Flakiness Index
and Slump Cone .The RCA were collected from local demolished structure. The study
was conducted with an M20 mix with the selected w/c ratio: 0.5 and the development
of compressive strength of the RAC and NAC at the age of 7 & 28 days were studied.
The performance of compressive strength produced by Recycled Aggregate Concrete
(RAC) and results are compared with the Natural Coarse Aggregate Concrete (NAC).
The result shows the compressive strength of RAC is on average 87% of the NAC and
the Slump of RAC is low and that can be improved by using Saturated Surface Dry of
RCA (SSD RCA). They conclude that the RAC specimen makes good quality
concrete.
S.K.Singh, P.C.Sharma (2013). They had tested Compressive strength, Flexural
strength, Moister content, Water absorption, Specific gravity, Modulus of elasticity,
Abrasion value, Impact value, Crushing value, Bulk density, Aggregate thickness,
Flakiness index and Slump cone. The recycled aggregate were collected from four
sources all demolished structures. The fine aggregate used in the concrete, i.e. recycled
and conventional is 100 percent natural. For both types of concrete i.e. M-20 and M25, 0.5 w/c ratio, maximum size of aggregate and mix proportion are kept constant.
The development of compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete at the age of

1,3,7,14,28, 56, and 90 days; the development of tensile & flexural strength at the age
of 1,3,7,14 and static modulus of elasticity at the age of 28 days are investigated. This
study presents the experimental results of recycled coarse aggregate concrete and
results were compared with the natural crushed aggregate concrete. The results showed
the compressive, tensile and flexural strength of recycled aggregate are on average
85% to 95% of the natural aggregate concrete. The durability parameters were also
investigated for recycled aggregate concrete and are found to be in good quality
concrete.
Marco Pepe,Romildo D. Toledo Filho , Eduardus A.B. Koenders,EnzoMartinelli
(2010).As sustainability is becoming a fundamental requirement for all modern
industrial activities, upcoming environmental research efforts should be intended at
both enhancing the efficiency in the use of raw materials and reducing the carbon
footprint. They had tested Compressive strength and water absorption. The recycled
aggregate were collected from demolished structure. They found, Recycled concrete
aggregates (RCAs) present higher porosity than natural ones. The higher porosity of
RCAs results in a higher water absorption capacity. Autogenous cleaning process was
considered to reduce water absorption. The influence of the process duration on the
concrete properties is investigated. Both workability and strength are enhanced by the
process under consideration.
Prof. Chetna M Vyas, (Dr.) Darshana R Bhatt (2013). In this study of the result
and analysis, the experimental results showed that the early compressive strength of
concrete made of natural coarse aggregate and recycled coarse aggregate is
approximately same. The slump test indicates a decreasing trend of workability when
the percentage of recycled aggregate were increased. The target slump had been
achieved, where the range is from 75mm to 150mm. The workability was good and can
be satisfactorily handled for 0% recycled aggregate to 100% recycled aggregate. The

slump observed is less with more percentages of recycled aggregate concrete mixes.
The compression test result indicates an increasing trend of compressive strength in the
early age of the concrete specimens with minimum percentage of recycled aggregates.
The results also show that the concrete specimens with low % of replacement of
recycled aggregate get the highest strength when compared to the concrete specimens
with different higher percentage of recycled aggregate. From the obtained result, it is
possible to use minimum % of recycled aggregate for higher strength of concretes.
Hence the recycled aggregate can be used in concrete with minimum % of replacement
of natural coarse aggregate.

N.Sivakumar, S.Muthukumar,V.SivakumarD.Gowtham, V.Muthuraj(2014). The

aim for this study was to determine the strength and durability characteristics of high
strength structural concrete by using recycled coarse aggregates, which will give a
better understanding on the properties of concrete with recycled aggregates. The scope
of this study was to investigate the possibility of using low cost recycled coarse
aggregates as an alternative material to coarse aggregate in high strength structural
concrete. The experimental investigation were carried out using detailed strength and
durability related tests such as compressive strength test of cubes, split tensile strength
test of cylinders, modulus of elasticity tests acid resistance test, test for saturated water
absorption and porosity. The tests were conducted by replacing the coarse aggregates
in high strength concrete mixes by 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% of recycled coarse
aggregates. A 50% replaced mix with reduced w/c ratio was also tested. From the
experimental investigation it was found that recycled coarse aggregates can be used for
making high strength concretes by adjusting the w/c ratio and admixture contents of
the mix. When the percentage of RCA replacement was increased, compressive
strength gets reduced. However when water/cement ratio of mix was decreased, the
compressive strength increases. The target compressive strength (40MPa) can be

achieved for 30 to 40 % of RCA replacement by decreasing the water cement ratio and
adjusting the admixture content of mix. This is classified as high strength concrete and
can be applied in infrastructures, which need compressive strength up to 40MPa.
Another result found in this research is that when reducing the water cement ratio used
in recycled aggregate mixes, tensile strength and modulus of elasticity are also
improved. This will give an improvement in general strength characteristics of
structural building. The water absorption and porosity of RCA replaced mixes are
higher than normal mix but within the permissible limits. These properties can be
modified by reducing the w/c ratio and by incorporating admixtures.
Table no. 2.1 Literatury Review
sl.no

Author

Tests

Result

Conclusion

M.pepe,
R.D.Toledofilh
o, E.A.B.
Koenders,
E.Martinelli

Compressive
strength.
(M25, 28 days).

0% RCA =33.03Mpa
50%RCA
without
autogenous process=
27.50Mpa.
50%
RCA
with
autogenous process=
29.92Mpa.

The compressive strength of

RCA
increased,
water
absorption
and
porosity
reduced
by
autogenous
cleaning process.

N.Sivakumar,
Compressive
S.Muthukumar strength.
, V.Sivakumar, (M40, 28 days).
D.Goutham,
V.Muthuraj.

Compressive
strength
With 0.4 w/c ratio
NCA= 37Mpa.
RCA= 27Mpa.
With 0.34 w/c ratio
RCA= 40Mpa.

The all strength of RCA

increased by adjusting the w/c
ratio.

Prof. chetna
M Vyas,
Prof.Dr.
darshana
R bhatt.

Compressive
strength.
(M20,
M25,
M30, 28 days).

Madhanreddy. Compressive
k, Bhavani.R, strength
Ajitha.B
(M25, 28 days).

Compressive
strength
0%RCA= 38.1N/mm2.
40%RCA=
39.5N/mm2.
100%RCA=35.1 N/
mm2.

The compressive strength of

RCA concrete was reduced
while increasing the % of
RCA.

Compressive
strength
NCA= 28.18Mpa.
RCA= 25Mpa.

The
result
shows
the
compressive strength of RAC
is on average 87% of the
NAC and the Slump of RAC
is low and that can be
improved by using Saturated
Surface Dry of RCA (SSD
RCA).

2.1 CONCLUSION FROM LITERATURY REVIEW

Therefore no decrease in strength in concrete containing up to 20% to 40% of recycled
aggregates, but beyond these levels, there was a systematic decrease in strength as the
content of recycled aggregates increased.

CHAPTER 3
MIX DESIGN
Mix design of concrete is the process of selecting the required ingredients of
concrete and finding their relative proportions with the aim of producing an
economical concrete of certain strength and durability. In order to test the specimen
using recycled aggregate we adopt M25 grade concrete. The mix proportion of M25
Grade is 1:1:2.The coarse aggregate used in this project is divided into two phase of
natural coarse aggregate and recycled concrete aggregate. The broken hardened
concrete, which passes through the 20mm sieve is used. We adopted the w/c as the
ratio of 0.5.

3.1 ORDINARY PORTLAND CEMENT

OPC 53 grade cement is used. This is the common type of cement which is used
for construction of many structures in the form of mortar and concrete. It is the one of
the binding material used in civil engineering constructions. It has high plastic
properties. It hardens in short time. Ordinary Portland (53 grade) Portland cement
available in the local market of standard brand was used in the investigation. Portland
cement is the most commonly used type of cement in the world today. Specific gravity
of cement = 3.15

3.2 COARSE AGGREGATE

Coarse aggregates are usually those particles which are retained on an I.S. 4.56
mm sieve. Generally for the concrete 20 mm size coarse aggregates are satisfied.The
aggregate should be clean and free from organic matter. For good concrete the value of
fineness modulus of coarse aggregate should be between 6 to8.The coarse aggregate of
20 mm size and angular in shape is used.

3.3 RECYCLED AGGREGATE

The demolished waste concretes were collected from different six sites.
Different kinds of concrete wastes are collected like plain cement concrete and
reinforced cement concrete. Totally 500 kg of waste concrete were collected. These
samples are broken down and sieved. The samples are sieved in 20mm sieve, these
samples taken for further use as provided by IS standards IS: 383-1970. The recycled
concrete aggregate must be clean and free from dust particles. The sample will satisfies
the following tests were taken to determine the properties of coarse aggregates like
Specific Gravity, Water absorption, Moister content, Impact value, Grading, Thickness
of concrete and Flakiness index. In six different sites, 4 sites waste materials not
satisfied the properties as provided by IS standards IS: 383-1970. Only two samples
satisfy the conditions, in it we took only one sample for further use for tests.

3.4 FINE AGGREGATE

Fine aggregate is sand which is usually obtained from rivers or lakes sometimes
beach sand is also used. The fineness modulus of sand should be around 2 to 3.2.For
this mix the fineness modulus is a size of 2.36mm. The locally available natural river
sand was used as fine aggregate. It was tested as per Indian Standard Specification IS:
383-1970.

10

3.4.1 Sieve analysis results

The sieve analysis done and reports located in below table.
Table no. 3.1 Sieve Analysis of Fine Aggregate.
Sieves

Retained weight (g)

% of Retained

Cumulative % % of Finer

4.75mm

0.3

0.3

99.7

2.36mm

51

5.1

5.4

94.6

1.18mm

447

44.7

50.1

49.9

600

293

29.3

79.4

20.6

300

153

15.3

94.7

5.3

150

43

4.3

99.0

75

0.7

99.7

0.3

Pan

0.3

100

Total

1000

100

Table no. 3.2 The Percentage of Finer Value Satisfy The Grade Zone 1 From IS
383 Part 1
Sieves

% finer for grade zone 1 from IS 383:part1

% finer obtained

4.75mm

90-100

99.7

2.36mm

60-95

94.7

1.18mm

30-70

49.9

600

15-34

20.6

300

5-20

5.3

150

0-10

11

3.4.2 Specific Gravity test

Empty weight of pycnometer,

W1

678g

Weight of pycnometer wih 200g sand,

W2

878g

Weight of pycnometer with 200g sand and full of water, W3

1634g

Weight of pycnometer with full of water alone

W4 =

1518g

Specific gravity,

2.66

Weight of dry sample,

W1

1000g

Weight of sample after immersed in water for 24 hrs,

W2

1012g

Percentage increase in weight, ((w2-w1)/w1) x100

1.2%

(w2-w1)/ ((w2-w1)-(w3-w4)

3.4.2 Water Absorption test

3.5 WATER
Water is an important ingredient of concrete. As a general guidance, if the water
is fit for drink it is fit for making concrete. However, some water containing a small
sum of salt is not suitable for concrete. Other yard-stick adopted is if the pH between 6
and 8 the water is accepted to be suitable. The best way is to use the water from a
particular source and concrete is made. The concrete is tested for 7 days and 28 days
strengths if 90% result is obtained it can be considered to be suitable.
The pH of the available water

12

7.4

3.6 Concrete mix design for normal concrete

Grade designation

M25

Type of cement

OPC 53 grade

Maximum nominal size of aggregate

20 mm

Maximum water-cement ratio

0.5

Exposure condition

Severe

Degree of supervision

Good

Type of aggregate

Crushed angular aggregates

Cement used

OPC 53 grade

Specific gravity of cement

3.15

1) Coarse aggregate

2.70

2) Fine aggregate

2.66

1) Coarse aggregate

0.54%

2) Fine aggregate

1.2%

3.7 Test data for materials

Specific gravity of

Water absorption

13

3.8 Target strength of mix proportioning

fck

fck + 1.65 s

fck

target average compressive strength at 28 days,

fck

characterastics compressive strength at 28 days, and

s=

standard

deviation.
From Table 1 of IS 10262-2009, Standard Deviation, s = 4 N/mm2
Therefore, target strength = 25 + 1.65 x 4 = 31.6 N/mm2
3.9 PERCENTAGE OF RCA AND SAMPLE DETAILS
The Recycled Concrete Aggregate is not added fully in specimens. The recycled
concrete aggregate is added in different ratios in a combination of natural coarse
aggregate and recycled concrete aggregate in the following method.
Table no. 3.3 Sample Details.
SAMPLE NAME

% OF RCA

RCA1

0%

RCA2

20%

RCA3

40%

RCA4

60%

RCA5

80%

RCA6

100%

NCA - Natural coarse aggregate

RCA Recycled concrete aggregate

14

CHAPTER 4
PROCESS
4.1. COLLECTION OF MATERIALS
The demolished concrete waste is collected from six different sites. First sample
collected from demolished residential building near Jaya Engineering College,
Thiruninravur, Chennai - 23. Second sample collected from demolished residential
building near Skywalk, Aminjikarai. Third sample collected from residential building
near Periyapalayam, Thiruvallur district. Fourth sample collected from demolished
commercial building near Arakkonam. Fifth sample collected from residential building
near Thiruvallur Railway Station. Sixth one collected from demolished residential
building at Avadi. Totally 1200 kg of waste concrete is collected from different sites
and taken through the casting site.

Figure no.4.1 Collection of Materials.

15

4.2. MANUAL CRUSHING

The waste concrete material is stored in the casting site. We would crush the
demolished concrete wastes. There are two types of crushing methods are available.
That are, i) MECHANICAL CRUSHING, ii) MANUAL CRUSHING. In this study we
crushed the concrete wastes manually. In manual crushing, different kinds of hammers
are used, like steel hammer, wood hammer and small size hammers. In this process,
nearby we crushed the waste concrete for required size and shapes. The crushed
concrete aggregates would be free from cement portions. Totally 800 kg of recycled
concrete aggregates separated from 1200 kg of crushed concrete.

Figure no.4.2 Manual Crushing of Waste Materials

16

4.3. SEGREGATION
The crushed concretes have not uniform in size. It has dust particles. Here
segregation is needed compulsory. The size of 20mm recycled concrete aggregates
would be segregated. The segregation of recycled concrete aggregate is of different
sizes and shapes for using it in making specimens. The recycled aggregate is sieved
through the 20mm sieve and the particles retained in 20mm sieve is taken and weighed.
Then a check for appropriate shape is also made. About 400 kg of recycled aggregate
is crushed and segregated which is to be used for making specimen samples. In this
process Sieve Analysis Flakiness Index and Aggregate Thickness were tested for
segregate the recycled aggregates.

Figure no.4.3 Segregation of Waste Materials.

17

4.4 BATCHING AND MIXING

After fixing the desired proportion the quantity of required ingredients, viz,
cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate and recycled aggregate, have to be measured
out in batches for mixing. This process of measuring out ingredients is called batching.
Batching may be done by weight or by volume.
In weight batching method all the ingredients of concrete are directly weighed in
kilogram. This is a slow process.
In volume batching method, two units of measurement, viz, liquids are measured
in liter and solid materials in cubic meter.
For example, in the M25 grade concrete for the specimen size of 15x15x15cm
cube with 20% of partial replacement of recycled aggregate needs, 2.1kg of cement,
2.1kg of sand, 3.36kg of natural coarse aggregate, 0.84kg of recycled concrete
aggregate and 1.1 liter of water.
For example, in the M25 grade concrete for the specimen size of 30x15co
cylinder with 20% of partial replacement of recycled aggregate needs, 3.4kg of cement,
3.4kg of sand, 5.44kg of natural coarse aggregate, 1.36kg of recycled concrete
aggregate and 1.7 liter of water.

18

4.5. MANUAL MIX

Mixing of concrete may be done by hand or by machine. Mixing should be done
thoroughly so as to have a uniform distribution of ingredients which can be judged by
uniform color and consistency of concrete. On a clean, hard and water tight platform
cement and sand are mixed dry using shovels until the mixture shows a uniform in
color. Then aggregate added and mixed uniformly. Based on the water cement ratio the
required quantity of water is added and mixed and placed or cast within 30 minutes.
The concrete mixed by man power. The grade of specimen used is M25. The material
is taken for M25 concrete is done using weight batching. The six type of specimen
were used in which ratio of natural coarse aggregate and recycled concrete aggregate
varies. The water cement ratio as adopted 0.5

Figure no.4.4 Manual Mixing of Concrete

19

4.6 CASTING AND CURING OF SPECIMEN

The cube specimen is of size 15cmx15cmx15 cm. the largest nominal size3 of
both aggregates does not exceed 20mm. The size of cylinder is 15cmx30cm.the moulds
are be of metal moulds, preferably of steel or cast iron. A tamping steel bar of 16 mm
diameter long 0.6m long with a bullet end is used for compacting. The concrete is
filled into the mould in 5m deep approximately. Each layer is compacted by tamping
rod or by vibration. After the top layer has been compacted the top of the mould is
leveled using a trowel. The top is covered with glass or metal plate to prevent
evaporation. The specimens are demoulded after 24 hours and submerged into clean
water for curing.

Figure no.4.5 Casting of Specimens

20

Figure no.4.6 Curing of Specimens.

21

CHAPTER 5
EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION
Testing of concrete is used to determine the strength and properties of concrete.
The testing of both natural coarse aggregate and recycled aggregate were also
investigated. There are two types of testing of concrete i) Testing of Fresh concrete and
ii) Testing of Hardened concrete. The tests concerned with fresh concrete are to check
the workability of concrete. The hardened concrete is to find the strength, creep effects,
durability, etc.

5.1 MOISTURE CONTENT

The various moisture state in which an aggregate may exists being are
Damp or wet aggregate in which the pores connected to the surface are filled
with water and with free water also on the surface.
Saturated surface dry aggregate in which the pores connected to the surface are
filled with water but with no free water on the surface.
Air dry aggregate that has a dry surface but contains some water in the pores.
Two of these, saturated surface dry and oven dry, are used as basis for specific
gravity calculations. Total moisture content was measured by measuring the mass of a
sample of the recycled concrete representative of moisture content in the collected
sample being tested, by drying the sample and obtained the mass again.

22

Table no.5.1 Determination of Moister Content of Recycled Concrete Aggregate

Sl.no

Description

Weight of recycled coarse

aggregate taken w1, (g)

Weight of oven dried after

24 hrs w2, (g)

Moister content

Average moister content

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

500

550

600

480

525

575

4.16%

4.76%

4.34%

4.42%

Table no.5.2 Determination of Moister Content of Natural Coarse Aggregate

Sl.no
1

Description
Weight of natural coarse
aggregate taken w1, (g)

Weight of oven dried

after 24 hrs w2, (g)

Moister content

Average moister content

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

500

550

600

475

527

578

5%

4.6%

4.5%

4.7%

23

5.2 WATER ABSORPTION

The water absorption of the recycled concrete aggregate is measured in
accordance with Indian standards. Water absorption in computed as a percentage by
subracting the oven dry mass from the saturated surface dry mass, dividing by the oven
dry recycled concrete cubes and multiplying by 100.
Table no.5.3 Determination of Water Absorption of Recycled Concrete
Aggregate.
Sl.no
1

Description

Sample1

Sample2

Sample 3

1000

1250

1500

1005.6

1255.5

1506.4

0.6%

0.57%

0.64%

Weight of recycled
concrete aggregate w1,
(g)

Weight of saturated
surface dry w2, (g)

% of water absorption

Average % of water

0.62%

absorption

Table no.5.4 Determination of Water Absorption of Natural Coarse Aggregate.

Sl.no

Description

Weight of recycled concrete aggregate

w1, (g)

Weight of saturated surface dry w2,

(g)

% of water absorption

Average % of water absorption

Sample1

Sample2

Sample 3

1000

1250

1500

1006

1255.7

1505.9

0.56%

0.55%

0.52%

0.54%

24

5.3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY

DEFINITION The specific gravity of a material is the mass of the material in
air divided by the mass of an equal volume of water. A material with s specific gravity
of 3.00 would be thus three times as heavy as that of water.
Each material particle is made up of solid matter and voids that may or may not
contain water. Since the material mass will vary with its moisture content, specific
gravity is determined at fixed moisture content. The various moisture states in which a
material may exist have been described previously.
The volume of the material particle is usually assumed to be the volume of solid
matter and internal pores. Two different values of specific gravity may be calculated
depending upon whether the mass is used as oven dry or a saturated surface dry (SSD)
mass. Bulk specific gravity is the oven dry mass divided by the mass of a volume of
water equal to the SSD material volume, while bulk specific gravity SSD is the SSD
mass divided by the mass of a volume of a water equal to the material volume.
TEST METHODS The specific gravity of the recycled concrete aggregate is
measured in accordance with Indian standards. Recycled concrete aggregates, dried to
constant mass at 100c to 110c, cooled in air and immersed in water for 24 hrs. it is
then removed from the water and dried to a saturated surface dry state using with (dry
cloth) large absorbent cloth. The mass of a sample in air is determined and then it is
placed in a sample container of a perforated bucket for determination of its mass in
water. The mass of sample in water is less than that in air and the loss in mass is equal
to the mass of the water displaced. Therefore, the loss in mass is the mass of a volume
of water equal to the recycled concrete aggregate volume.

25

5.3.1 Specific gravity of natural coarse aggregate

Empty weight of pycnometer,

W1= 678 g

Weight of pycnometer with 200 g blue metal,

W2= 878 g

Weight of pycnometer with 200 g blue metal and full of water, W3= 1644 g
Weight of pycnometer with full of water alone,

W4= 1518 g

Therefore,

G = 2.70

5.3.2 Specific gravity of recycled concrete aggregate

Table no.5.5 Determination of Specific Gravity of Recycled Concrete Aggregate.
Sl.no
1

Description

Sample 1

weight of recycled concrete

aggregate w1, (g).

Weight of saturated surface dry w2,

(g)

Weight of perforated empty bucket

in submerged condition w3,(g).

Sample 2 Sample 3

1000

1250

1500

1050

1320

1575

600

600

600

1250

1275

1300

650

675

700

2.65

2.60

2.69

Weight of perforated bucket and

sample in submerged condition w4,
(g).

Submerged recycled concrete

aggregate weight w5, (g)

Specific gravity

Average specific gravity

2.63

26

5.4 IMPACT VALUE

Since the recycled concrete aggregates are soft materials when compared with
natural coarse aggregate used in concrete, in view of larger scale construction program
and for effecting economy in the cost of construction, soft aggregates having adequate
mechanical strength in terms of impact value may be made use of in the concrete.
Determination of recycled concrete aggregates impact value is measured in
accordance with Indian standards. The recycled concrete aggregate samples of which
passes through 12.5 mm IS sieve and retained on a 10 mm IS sieve had been taken for
this test. Tested recycled concrete aggregates are removed and the whole of it sieved
on the 2.36 mm IS sieve. The observation and the results are tabulated below as in
given table

5.4.1 Impact test for natural coarse aggregate

Weight of container with 10 mm aggregates, W1= 1217 g
Weight of container with sample passed through 2.36 mm sieve after W2= 968 g
Mean aggregate impact value = [(W1-W2) / W1] X 100
= [(1217-968) / 1217] X 100
=20.46 %

27

Table no.5.6 Determination of Impact Value of Recycled Concrete Aggregate.

Slno
1

Description
Weight of empty mould
w1,(g)

Weight of mould + sample

w2, (g)

Weight of sample w3, (g)

Weight of sample passed

through 2.36 mm IS sieve

Sample 1

Sample 2

Sample 3

1875

1875

1875

2375

2380

2365

500

515

490

95

120

135

405

395

355

19%

23.33%

27.55%

w4 (g)
5

Weight of sample retained

on 2.36 mm IS sieve w5
(g)

Impact value

Average impact value

23.5%

5.5 RECYCLED CONCRETE AGGREGATE THICKNESS

Recycled concrete aggregates are selected at random in different places and their
thickness are measured using vernier caliper at different locations in a recycle concrete
cubes itself, and then the average has been considered. The thickness of recycled
concrete aggregates are varied in the ranges from 20mm.

5.6 FLAKINESS INDEX

Referring the Indian standards, it is concluded that the flakiness index of the
recycle concrete aggregate is 100%.

28

5.7 GRADING
DEFINITION Grading refers to the distribution of particle sizes present in a
material. The grading is determined in accordance with the Indian standars.
TEST METHODS The recycled concrete aggregate sample weighs and
sieved successfully on the appropriate sieves starting with the largest. The number and
size of sieves selected for a sieve analysis in depends upon the particle sizes present in
the sample and the grading requirements. Each sieve was shaken separately over a
clean tray until not more than trace passes, for period of two minutes. The shaking of
sieve was done with a varied motion, backwards and forward, left to right, right to left,
circular clockwise and anti clockwise, and with frequent jarring, so that the recycle
concrete aggregates are kept moving over the surface in frequently changing
directions. On completion of sieving, the mass of material retained on each sieve and
the pan was weighed and the results are given in table.
FINENESS MODULUS Using the sieve analysis results, a factor called the
fineness modulus is computed. It is the sum of the total percentages retained on each of
specified series of sieves, divided by 100. Although fineness modulus is most
commonly computed for fine aggregates, the fineness modulus of coarse aggregate is
needed for some proportioning methods. Even though the 20mm sieve was used in the
sieve analysis, this is not included in the calculation. Since the total percent retained on
the 4.75mm sieve is 100%, 100% will also be retained on the smaller sieves specified
in the fineness modulus definition.
Based on this calculation if fineness modulus has been made here.

29

Table no.5.7 Fineness Modulus of Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Sl

Sieve size

Mass

no

(mm).

retained

retained

Cumulative % passing

Fineness

% retained

modulus

(g)

calculation
(total %
retained)

20 mm

35000.00

90.00

85.00

90.00

90.00

12.50 mm

19500.00

83.83

65.83

81.17

82.83

10.00 mm

12500.00

63.50

43.33

67.67

63.50

04.75 mm

6750.00

51.67

26.00

51.00

51.60

Pan

5000.00

41.00

100.00

38.00

41.00

Total

78750.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

02.36 mm

3100.00

25.00

35.00

28.00

22.00

01.18 mm

1400.00

15.00

25.00

21.00

15.00

600 m

3500.00

8.00

15.00

10.20

08.50

10

300 m

100

11

150 m

100

12

Sum

674.43

13

Fineness modulus = 674.43/100 = 6.74

30

5.7.1 Sieve analysis for natural coarse aggregate

Table no.5.8 Sieve Analysis For Natural Coarse Aggregate.
Sieves

Retaining
weight (in g)

% retained

Cumulative
%

% finer

25 mm

100.0

20 mm

231

23.1

23.1

76.9

12.5 mm

629

62.9

86.0

14.0

10 mm

125

12.5

98.5

1.5

Pan

15

1.5

100.0

Total

1000

100

% passed through 20mm sieve and retained in 12.5 mm sieve = 62.9 %

For good concrete the value of fineness modulus of coarse aggregate should be
between 6 to8.

31

5.8 SLUMP CONE TEST

The test can be conducted in the field or laboratory. This test is not suitable for
very wet and very fry concrete. The apparatus for conducting the slump test consist of
a metallic mould in the form of frustum of a cone with 20 cm bottom diameter, 10 cm
top diameter and 30 cm height. A steel tamping rod of 16mm diameter and 0.6 m long
with a bullet end is used for tamping. The internal surface of the mould is cleaned and
placed on a smooth non- absorbant surface. The mould is filled in four layers of equal
height. Each layer is compacted for 25 times. After filling the mould and rodded, the
excess concrete is stuck off and leveled. The mould is lifted upward from the concrete
immediately rising it slowly. This allows the concrete to subside. This subsidence is
referred as slump of concrete. The difference in height of themould and that of the
subside concrete is measured and reported in mm which is taken as the slump of
concrete.

Figure no.5.1 Slump Cone.

32

Table no.5.9 Slump Value

SLNO TYPE

SLUMP (mm)

RCA1

61

RCA2

52

RCA3

45

RCA4

40

RCA5

39

RCA6

35

Slump Cone Test

70

SLUMP VALUE (mm)

60
50

RCA1-0%

40

RCA2-20%

30

RCA3-40%
RCA4-60%

20

RCA5-80%

10

RCA6-100%

0
RCA%
PERCENTAGE OF RCA %

Figure no 5.2Comparison of Slump Value.

33

5.9 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The cube compressive strength for all the mixes at 14 and 28 days of curing is
presented in table 5.1. It is an easy and most common test. The tests are conducted in
cubes. The cube specimen is of size 15x15x15 cm. the largest nominal size3 of both
aggregates does not exceed 20mm. the moulds are be of metal moulds, preferably of
steel or cast iron. A tamping steel bar of 16 mm diameter long 0.6m long with a bullet
end is used for compacting. The concrete is filled into the mould in 5m deep
approximately. Each layer is compacted by tamping rod or by vibration. After the top
layer has been compacted the top of the mould is leveled using a trowel. The top is
covered with glass or metal plate to prevent evaporation. The specimens are
demoulded after 24 hours and submerged into clean water. The specimens are tested in
a compression testing machine at the completion of 14 and 28 days. Compression on
the cube undergoes lateral expansion.

Figure no.5.3Compressive Strength of Cube.

34

Table no.5.10 Compressive Strength of Concrete Cubes

SLNO

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH ( N/mm2)

TYPE

14 DAYS

28 DAYS

RCA1

28.7

34.4

RCA2

30.5

36.8

RCA3

32.8

38.3

RCA4

27.9

33.1

RCA5

25.2

29.0

RCA6

20.3

25.8

Compressive strength of cube

compressive strength n/mm2

45
40
35
30

RCA1-0%

25

RCA2-20%

20

RCA3-40%

15

RCA4-60%

10

RCA5-80%

5
0
14 days

28 days

days

Figure no.5.4 Comparison of Compressive Strength of Concrete Cubes

35

5.10 SPLIT - TENSILE STRENGTH

The size of cylinder is 15x30cm. This is the indirect tension test. In this test a
cylindrical specimen is placed horizontally between the loading surfaces of a
compression testing machine. The load applied until failure of the cylinder along the
vertical diameter. The main advantage of the test is the same compressive testing
machine and the same cylindrical specimen used for compression test may be used.The
split tensile strength of cylindrical specimen values shown in the below table 5.2.

Figure no.5.5 Split Tensile Strength of Concrete.

36

Table no 5.11Split Tensile Strength of Cylinder Specimen.

SLNO

TYPE

SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH (N/mm2)

14 days

28 days

RCA1

2.11

2.57

RCA2

2.17

2.62

RCA3

2.26

2.73

RCA4

2.08

2.49

RCA5

2.02

2.40

RCA6

1.92

2.26

split tensile test

split tensile strength n/mm2

3
2.5
2
1.5
1
0.5

0
14 DAYS

28 DAYS
days

Figure no.5.6 Comparison of Split Tensile Strength of Cylinder.

37

5.11COMPARITIVE ANALYSIS
Test results of recycle concrete aggregate properties were compared with normal
coarse aggregates and they are presented in table here in.
Table no.5.12 Comparitive Analysis.
Sl no

Physical and mechanical properties

Natural

Recycled

coarse

concrete

aggregate

aggregate

Moister content

4.7%

4.42%

Water absorption

0.54%

0.62%

Specific gravity

2.70

2.63

Impact value

20.46%

23.5%

Fineness modulus

6 to 8

6.74

Aggregate thickness

20mm

20mm

Flakiness index

100%

100%

Compressive strength

34.4N/mm2

38.3N/mm2

Split tensile strength

2.57N/mm2

2.73N/mm2

10

Slump cone test

61mm

45mm

38

CHAPTER 6
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
6.1 MOISTURE CONTENT
For the selected sample of recycled concrete cubes, the average moisture content
in the recycled concrete aggregates was found to be 4.42%.Each recycled concrete
specimens particles is made up of solid matter and voids that may or may not contain
water. Since the recycled concrete aggregate are basically wood based on organic
material and hence it is moister retaining capacity would be more compared with
normal aggregates. The moister content of samples may have some different with its
state existence. The recycled concrete aggregates usually carry some moister and that
becomes part of mixing water. With the different state of shells and its moister
contents, they will absorb some of the mixing water when it is used in concrete.

6.2 WATER ABSORPTION

For the selected sample of recycled concrete cubes, the average water absorption
in the recycled concrete aggregates was found to be 0.58%.Each recycled concrete
specimens particles is made up of solid matter and voids that may or may not contain
water. Since the recycled concrete aggregate are basically wood based on organic
material and hence it is water absorbing capacity would be more compared with
normal aggregates. The water absorption of samples may have some different with its
state existence. The recycled concrete aggregates usually carry some moister and that
becomes part of mixing water. With the different state of shells and its water
absorption, they will absorb some of the mixing water when it is used in concrete.

39

6.3 SPECIFIC GRAVITY

For the selected sample of recycled concrete aggregate, the average of specific
gravity was found to be as 2.63.The specific gravity of an aggregate used in mixture
proportioning calculation to find the absolute volume that a given mass of material will
occupy in the mixture. Absolute volume of an aggregate refers to the space occupied
by the aggregate particles excluding the voids between the particles. The specific
gravity for normal weight aggregate used in concrete ranges from 2.52 to 2.63.

6.4 IMPACT VALUE

The average impact value of the recycled concrete aggregates was found to be in
as 23.5%. The aggregate impact value gives relative measures of the resistance of an
aggregate to sudden impact or shock. The aggregate impact value should not be more
than 45% by the weight of aggregate used for concrete other than wearing surfaces and
30% by weight for concrete to be used as wearing surfaces, such as runways, road and
pavements.

6.5 AGGREGATE THICKNESS

The thickness of recycled concrete aggregates are varied in the ranges were
found to be from 20mm.

6.6 FLAKINESS INDEX

The flakiness index of the recycled coarse aggregate is 100% flaky material. Flat
particles in concrete aggregate will have particularly objectionable influence on the
workability, cement requirement, strength and durability, excessively flaky aggregate
makes very poor concrete.

40

6.7 GRADING
To grade the recycled coarse aggregate, the fineness modulus of the recycle
coarse aggregates were found to be and the average fineness modulus was 6.74,
fineness modulus will give some idea of the mean size particles in the entire body of
the aggregate. The limits of fineness modulus for aggregate are 1) for aggregate having
maximum size of aggregates in the range of 2 to 3.5, 2) for coarse aggregate having
maximum size of aggregate 20 mm is in the range of 6 to 8.

6.8 SLUMPCONE TEST

In case of dry sample, slump will be in the range of 25-50 mm that is 1-2 inches.
But in case of wet sample, the slump may vary from 150-175mm or say 6-7 inches. So
the slump is specifically mentioned along the mix design and thus it should be checked
as per your location. 20-50 is used for road work mass concrete and 50-100 and above
used for RC beams and slabs.

6.9 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

The cube compressive strength for all mixes at 14 and 28 days of curing and the
results show that the concrete specimen with more replacement of recycled concrete
aggregates have the lowest compressive strength when compared to the concrete
specimens with less recycled concrete aggregate for both 14 and 28 days of curing. The
compressive strength of the concrete specimens for 40% recycled concrete aggregate is
38.3 N/mm2 which met the target strength of 33.4 N/mm2.

41

6.10 SPLIT TENSILE STRENGTH

The cylinder split tensile strength for all mixes at 14 and 28 days of curing and
the results show that the concrete specimen with more replacement of recycled
concrete aggregate have the lowest split tensile strength when compared to the
concrete specimens with less recycled concrete aggregate for both 14 and 28 days of
curing. The split tensile strength of the concrete specimens for 40% recycled concrete
aggregate is 2.73 N/mm2 which met the target strength of 2.57 N/mm2.

42

CHAPTER 7
CONCLUSION
Research on the usage of waste construction materials is very important as the
quantity of waste materials is gradually increasing as result of increase in population
and increase in urban development. Furthermore, with the cheaper price of recycled
aggregates compared to natural aggregates, the builders can carry out the construction
task with lesser material cost. From the present experimental investigation it was found
that the recycled aggregates will influence much in hardened properties of concrete. As
the percentage of crushed concrete coarse aggregate increased, strength of the concrete
gets decreased
To achieve the strength of the concrete, use 100% of crushed coarse aggregate in
compression element like concrete blocks and concrete pavements. As there is
considerable reduction in compressive strength with recycled aggregate, further
research is needed to explore about the usage of recycled aggregates in combination
with different fibrous materials with special reference to its applications on structural
elements like concrete slabs, beams, columns and walls, Apart from this more studies
are required to understand the long term durability characteristics of concrete made
using recycled aggregates.

43

CHAPTER 8

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Chen H.J, Yen T, K.H. (2003), Use of building rubbles as recycled aggregates.

Cement and concrete research. 33: pp 125-132.

3.

Collins R.J (1994). The use of recycled aggregates in concrete. BRE report,

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4.

Desmyster J. and Vyncke J. (2000). Proceeding of the 1stETNRecy, net/RILEM

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Dhir R.K, Limbachiya M.C, Leelawat T. (1999). Suitability of recycled concrete

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Hansen T.C. (1992). Recycling of demolished concrete and masonry. RIELM

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Hendriks C.F. and Pieterson H.S. (1998). Concrete: durable but also

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Katz. (2003). Properties of concrete made with recycled aggregate from partially

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Mehta P.K and Monteiro P.J.M. (1993). Concrete: structures, properties, and

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Padmini A.K. Ramamurthy K, Mathews M.S. (2002). Relative moisture

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45