The Effect of the Reinforcing Agent from Construction Waste on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

An increased amount of waste generated from construction and demolition is known to harm the environment. Rational disposal of such wastes may help to increase the share of recycled waste in construction. The aim of this work is to study the effect of different percentages of recycled aggregates and different binding agents on changes in the mechanical properties of concrete. The work investigated the effect of various concrete mixtures with different percentages of recycled aggregates on changes in compressive strength, tensile strength, and Young's modulus in comparison with mixtures with natural fillers. The results of experimental measurements showed that the amount of recycled aggregates as reinforcing agents almost does not affect the variability of compressive and tensile strength, and the modulus of elasticity in concrete is insignificant. With increasing replacement share of recycled aggregate, compressive strength, tensile strength, and Young's modulus decrease, but over time and full substitution, the significance of these values is practically equalized. It has been established that the variability of compressive and tensile strength is more influenced by the hardness of the mortar matrix, while the variability of modulus of elasticity is affected by the hardness of the aggregate. The results obtained can be used to correct concrete mixtures for full or particular replacement of natural aggregates with recycled ones.