Characterization of recycled aggregates construction and demolition waste for concrete production following the Spanish Structural Concrete Code EHE-08

Construction and demolition waste can be used as recycled aggregate in construction. The more thoroughly the waste is treated, the higher the quality of the aggregate. However, high-quality aggregate is expensive, and thus, economically unviable in countries where natural aggregate is cheaply obtained. This paper examines the characteristics of recycled aggregate, resulting from of a non-exhaustive production process. This aggregate was found to contain impurities, such as crushed clay brick, crushed ceramic materials, and gypsum. The tests used to analyze this material were those recommended in the Spanish Structural Concrete Code (EHE-08). The results obtained were then compared with the guidelines in this code, which regulate the use of this material as a component in structural concrete. The result showed that none of the fractions fulfilled all the requirements in this especially in the case of the fulfillment of guidelines established to certain properties of the recycled aggregate, basically water absorption sulfate content, and chloride content. In contrast, particle shape, density, assessment of fines and resistance to fragmentation were in compliance with the EHE-08 recommendations.