Characterization study on recycled coarse aggregate for its utilization in concrete - A review

Industrialization and urbanization are two major factors that contribute to the scarcity in construction materials furthermore leading to dependency on alternative materials in construction. Consequently, rehabilitation and retrofitting of structures leads to the generation of Construction and Demolition(C&D) waste which is to be effectively reutilized/disposed. Such C&D wastes can be reutilized as coarse aggregates in concrete termed as recycled aggregate concrete to achieve sustainability in construction. Presence of adhered mortar on the surface of recycled aggregates tends to reduce the quality of recycled aggregate concrete. This paper reviews the statistical data on the generation of C&D wastes around the globe and its percentage of reutilization with a comparison on physical characteristics of C&D wastes with natural coarse aggregate in concrete. Comparative studies on the physical characteristics of recycled aggregates performed by various researchers embark with conclusive remarks to specify its limitation on utilization in structural applications due to the presence of adhered mortar on its surface.