Influence of the Use of Recycled Material on the Properties of Concrete as a Partial Substitute for Natural Coarse Aggregate

Abstract

The valorization of construction and demolition waste is a fundamental strategy for sustainability in the concrete industry. This study evaluated the effect of incorporating recycled concrete coarse aggregate (RCGA) and recycled porcelain coarse aggregate (RPGA), both individually and in combination, as partial substitutes for natural aggregate. Twelve formulations were analyzed using standardized physical and mechanical tests after 28 days of curing. The combined mixture M₂ (7.5% RCGA + 5% RPGA) exhibited optimal physical properties, reducing absorption by 68.81% and void volume by 68.49%. The individual formulations M₆ (7.5% RCGA) and M₁₀ (5% RPGA) achieved superior increases in compressive strength (9.17% and 9.34%) and flexural strength (10.84% and 10.06%). Abrasion resistance was significantly improved in all optimized mixes. The study concludes that both individual and combined substitutions, in appropriate
proportions, significantly enhance concrete properties, contributing to sustainable construction through waste valorization.