An overview of study on recycled aggregate concrete in China (1996–2011)

A series of investigations on the mechanical property, durability, and the structural performance of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) have been carried out in the past 15 years (1996–2011) in China. The achievements of researches on recycled concrete are relatively sufficient to review and share with investigators from other countries. Some research progress of micro- and meso-structure of RAC is introduced in the first part of this paper. The second part of this paper is devoted to the mechanical properties of RAC material: strength, elastic modulus, Poisson’s ratio, stress–strain curve. The third part of the paper gives research on durability of RAC: carbonization, chloride penetration, shrinkage and creep. The last part presents a review on the structural performance of RAC elements and structures: beams, columns, slabs, beam–column joints, shear walls as well as frames made with RAC. Results of all researches reveal that with proper design and construction, it is safe and feasible to apply RAC as a structural material in civil engineering. Moreover, in this paper, the relevant research results of RAC obtained in China and from other countries are compared and discussed. This review provides helpful directions to those who are already engaged in this research, and points out areas which are needed to promote safe and economic use of RAC.