Analysis of mechanical performance in concrete using as raw material waste of construction and demolition

Civil construction is recognized as one of the most important activities for economic and social development, however, studies indicates that it causes huge environmental impacts, either by the consumption of natural resources, by the modification of the landscape or by the generation of waste. Almost 50% of the total solid waste generated in the country comes from civil construction. The possibility of using these construction and demolition wastes (RCDs in portuguese) makes possible to reduce the use of the natural resources used in this process, avoiding a shortage in the future and reducing the amount of waste generated. This work aims to study the possibility of using RCD as an alternative aggregate without significantly changing the properties and characteristics of the concrete. The experiments attended the Brazilian norms and standards for the use of these materials, since their mechanical resistance must reach the demands made by them. It was verified in the experiments that the concrete resistance varied in average 4 Mpa of the conventional concrete, being able to be used for shallow foundations of small structures. The consistency of the concrete with RCD was close to the consistency of the conventional concrete, bearing the trace had good adherence as to its specific mass. Due to the absorption rate being greater when compared to the commonly used crushed concrete, the concrete with residue required a greater addition of water than the usual concrete. The use of RCD as a bulk aggregate for concrete has met the requirements regarding the standards for its use.