Development of creep and shrinkage prediction models for recycled aggregate concrete

Abstract Studies have found utilization of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) for engineering use to be environmentally favorable by preserving natural resources and limiting waste reduction. However, the use of RAC has not been effectively integrated in the industry due to limited research overlying the critical areas of its creep and shrinkage behavior. Hence, this study aims to investigate the natural aggregate concrete creep and shrinkage prediction models and perform recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) replacement level and water absorption modifications to illustrate the presence and behavior of RAC. Comparative analysis was undertaken by establishing comprehensive conventional concrete and RAC experimental databases and investigating several creep and shrinkage prediction models including, ACI 209R‐92, Bazant–Baweja B3, CEB MC 90, GL 2000, MC 2010, and JSCE 2010. The Bazant–Baweja B3 model was found to present the most optimal results by evaluating each conventional model against the RAC databases and performing regression analysis. Hence, the Bazant–Baweja B3 natural aggregate concrete models for creep and shrinkage were then effectively modified to illustrate the presence of RCA replacement level and water absorption. The adjusted models were verified with a set of experimental databases which successfully presented favourable results with coefficient of correlation factors increased from an average of 0.76 to 0.9.