Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) conducted side-by-side comparisons of recycled and conventional concrete in a building foundation and a municipal sidewalk, finding that the recycled concrete had comparable strength and durability after five years in service.
The study also found the recycled concrete had a higher rate of compressive strength after 28 days of curing, while maintaining a greater or equal strength during the five-year period.
According to Global Construction Review, recycled concrete is not widely recognized by international standards owing to its high porosity, lack of consistent sources, and a lack of field studies. However, researchers said recycled concrete could be a 100 percent substitute for non-structural applications, and could start being a substitute with improvements in the composition.
“We live in a world where we are constantly in search of sustainable solutions that remove waste from our landfills,” said Shahria Alam, lead investigator. He added that construction and demolition waste make up some 40 percent of the world’s waste.
Source: Global Construction Review