Influence of Recycling Processes on Properties of Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregates (FRCA): An Overview

Abstract

Concrete waste recycling processes involve multiple stages, equipment, and procedures which produce Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregates (FRCA) for use in construction. This research aims at performing a comprehensive overview of the recycling technologies, recycling processes, and normative requirements to produce high-quality FRCA and to investigate the influence of these processes on their physical properties. The properties investigated were the particle size distribution (PSD), water absorption, oven-dry density, and adhered paste. The correlations between these properties were also investigated. The results indicate that the recycling processes with the highest potential for producing high-quality aggregates demand jaw crusher and impact crusher combinations. These processes are better suited for achieving FRCA with the desired particle size distribution and oven-dry density. However, water absorption and adhered paste, which are critical factors for obtaining high-quality FRCA, seem to be more dependent on the original material than on the recycling process.