Effectiveness of Recycled Materials on the Strength and Durability of Concrete: a Review

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable construction practices has led to a growing interest in the use of recycled materials, such as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and fly ash, as effective alternatives to traditional concrete constituents. This review examines the impact of these recycled materials on the strength and durability of concrete, synthesizing findings from various studies. The incorporation of RCA in concrete mixes has demonstrated the potential to achieve compressive and tensile strengths comparable to those of conventional concrete, especially when used in optimal proportions. Furthermore, RCA contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing waste and minimizing the extraction of natural aggregates. Similarly, the utilization of fly ash as a partial replacement for Portland cement has been shown to significantly enhance the durability of concrete, reducing water permeability and chloride ion penetration, which are critical factors in mitigating corrosion and improving longevity. However, challenges such as variability in material quality and the influence of environmental conditions on performance necessitate further research.

This review underscores the importance of standardizing material specifications and optimizing mix designs to fully harness the benefits of recycled materials in concrete applications. Future investigations should focus on long-term durability assessments, life cycle analyses, and innovative processing methods to enhance the effectiveness of RCA and fly ash, ultimately supporting the transition toward more sustainable construction practices through the incorporation of recycled materials.