Preliminary Studies on the Effect of C&DW on the Long-Term Properties of Sustainable Self-Compacting Concrete

The mix-design of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with both fine and coarse concrete waste from construction and demolition (C&DW) is investigated. The effects of concrete recycled aggregates on fresh state behavior and short- and long-term mechanical and physical properties of new structural SCC are investigated to ascertain the feasibility of SCC with medium-high mechanical strength. A reference SCC mix, prepared with natural aggregates and the same water/powder ratio as those prepared with recycled aggregates, is reported for comparison. An integrated approach involving porosimetric analysis and mechanical characterizations has been carried out. Porosity measurements and mechanical investigations combined with time-dependent properties, such as shrinkage and creep are reported as fundamental features to assess structural SCC behavior.