INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CIVIL AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Volume 2, No 1, 2011
Copyright 2010 All rights reserved Integrated Publishing services
Research article ISSN 0976 4399

Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate

concrete
Gupta Arundeb 1, Mandal Saroj 2, Ghosh Somnath 3
1- Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032,
2, 3- Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jadavpur University, Kolkata 700032
arundeb_gupta@yahoo.co.in
doi:10.6088/ijcser.00202010110

ABSTRACT

An experimental investigation was conducted to study the change in direct compressive

strength and elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete in presence of fly ash (as
replacement of cement). Concrete cubes, cylinder and prisms were prepared as test specimens
with varying percentage of fly ash using natural aggregate and recycled aggregate. These
specimens were tested at different age of concrete to have compressive strength, elastic
modulus, split tensile strength as well as flexural strength and their changes were noticed .
MIP ( Mercury intrusion porosimetry ) test was conducted to estimate the percentage of
micro voids in recycled aggregate concrete and also to appreciate the change of these micro
voids due to presence of fly ash .Empirical formulas involving major parameters such as fly
ash content, water cement ratio, age of concrete etc., have been developed to predict elastic
modulus and compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete.

Keywords: Recycled Aggregate Concrete, Natural Aggregate Concrete, Fly ash, Mercury
intrusion porosimetry, Compressive strength, Elastic modulus

1. Introduction

Recycling of waste concrete is now quite popular in the construction industry. Recycled
coarse aggregate are widely used as sub base in road project and also for making lean
concrete. Research works are in progress to establish it to be fit for structural concrete [all the
research works mentioned under reference]. Successful use of recycled aggregates in regular
concrete works would lead to a considerable reduction in demand of natural aggregates.
Recycled aggregate may be considered as a green material to some extent. It is quite well
known that the porosity of recycled aggregate concrete is more than conventional natural
aggregate concrete. It is also known to us that is strength of concrete reduces with increase in
porosity. Addition of fly ash to some extent will provide better micro structure as well as
strength.

This paper deals with an experimental investigation on recycled aggregate concrete made in
presence of fly ash (as cement replacement). MIP (Mercury intrusion porosimetry) test was
conducted to estimate the percentage of voids in recycled aggregate concrete and also to
study the change of micro voids due to presence of fly ash. Empirical formulas involving
major parameters such as fly ash content, water cement ratio, age of concrete etc., have been
developed to predict elastic modulus and compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete.

2. Materials and Method

2.1 Materials

Received on September, 2011 Published on November 2011 292

 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

Cement
Ordinary Portland cement of Grade 53 Conforming to IS 12269-1987.
Fine aggregate
Locally available natural sand of Zone III as per IS 383-1970.
Coarse aggregate
Two types of coarse aggregate were used

1. Natural stone aggregate of Basalt variety ii) Recycled aggregate processed from
Laboratory waste concrete cubes of 150mm x 150mm x150mm of mean compressive
strength 23.5 MPa.

The recycled coarse aggregates were designated as Type-I and Type-II. The coarse aggregate
passing through 40mm sieve and retained on 20mm sieve was designated as Type-I and the
fraction of coarse aggregate passing through 20mm sieve and retained on 4.75mm sieve was
designated as Type-II.

Fly ash: The fly ash was directly obtained from Bandel thermal power station near Kolkata,
India. Chemical composition of fly ash is shown in Table I and compared with standards as
prescribed by IS 3812 part-I.

Table 1: Chemical composition of Fly ash

Chemical Fly ash Specified requirement

Composition weight (%) IS 3812 part-I
(% weight)
SiO2 60.0 35.0 minimum
Al2O3 20.0
CaO 8.0
MgO 1.0 5.0 maximum
TiO2 0.5
Loss of 8.0 12.0 maximum
ignition
Na2O/K2O 1.0

2.2 Concrete Mix Proportion

There is no standard mix design procedure for recycled aggregate concrete. Hence, trial
mixes as per ACI 14 for natural aggregate concrete were prepared and tested. Same
proportion was used for recycled aggregate concrete also.

The mixture proportion by weight for natural aggregate concrete (NAC) and recycled
aggregate concrete (RAC) are furnished in Table 2.

Table 2: Mix Proportion of NAC and RAC specimens

Mix Proportion (by weight )

Cement Fly ash Sand Coarse Water
Sl no. Mix aggregates cement

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 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

designation Type I Type ratio

II
1 NAC 1.00 - 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.4
2 NAC1 0.9 0.1 1.6 1.32 1.98 0.4
3 RAC 1.00 - 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.4
4 RAC1 0.90 0.10 1.6 1.32 1.98 0.4
5 RAC2 0.80 0.20 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.4
6 NACa 1.00 - 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.5
7 NAC1a 0.9 0.1 1.6 1.32 1.98 0.5
8 RACa 1.00 - 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.5
9 RAC1a 0.90 0.10 1.6 1.32 1.98 0.5
10 RAC2a 0.80 0.20 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.5
11 NACb 1.00 - 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.6
12 NAC1b 0.9 0.1 1.6 1.32 1.98 0.6
13 RACb 1.00 - 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.6
14 RAC1b 0.90 0.10 1.6 1.32 1.98 0.6
15 RAC2b 0.80 0.20 1.60 1.32 1.98 0.6

2.3 Test Specimens

Cubes of 150x150x150 mm, cylinders 150 dia x300 mm height and prisms 100x100x500mm
long, were casted from each mix to have compressive strength, tensile strength, flexural
strength and elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete. Elastic modulus in direct
compression has been determined as per DIN 1048 Part 1. It may be noted here that the
specimens were cured under water for 28 days and then left in air till the date of testing.

3. Results and discussion

3.1 Workability, wet density and yield of concrete

Detailed results of workability, density and yield for NAC and RAC are presented in Table 3
It is noticed that workability of RAC is less than that of NAC. Similar results have been
reported by other researchers [Topcu, 1997, Oliviea, 1996] also. Addition of fly ash to both
RAC and NAC marginally reduces the compacting factor values.

Table 3: Result of fresh Concrete mix

MIX NO Mix Unit Weight. Yield / 50Kg

ID Compacting (KG/ M3) of Cement
FACTOR
1 NAC 0.776 2321 0.138
2 NAC1 0.767 2396 0.134
3 RAC 0.753 2228 0.144
4 RAC1 0.722 2254 0.142
5 RAC2 0.715 2220 0.144
6 NACa 0.88 2349 0.136
7 NAC1a 0.82 2377 0.135
8 RACa 0.849 2245 0.143
9 RAC1a 0.848 2265 0.141
10 RAC2a 0.835 2207 0.145
11 NACb 0.96 2443 0.131

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 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

12 NAC1b 0.94 2452 0.13

13 RACb 0.984 2264 0.141
14 RAC1b 0.98 2292 0.14
15 RAC2b 0.945 2264 0.141

It is also observed that wet densities of recycled aggregate concrete are less than that of
natural aggregate concrete. This is due to presence of low density old mortar attached on
recycled aggregates. Results indicate that 10% addition of fly ash as replacement of cement
in RAC and NAC marginally increases the unit weight. However, 20% addition of fly ash as
replacement of cement in RAC and NAC marginally decreases the unit weight. Addition of
fly ash reduces workability of concrete as observed in compaction factor test.

3.2 Relation between Elastic modulus of Recycled aggregate concrete and other
parameters of concrete

Elastic modulus in direct compression of recycled aggregate concrete having different ratio of
cement to fly ash are presented in Figure 1 and an equation is obtained by regression analysis.

Similarly, in Figure 2, the relationship between elastic modulus and 28 days compressive
strength are shown.

In Figure 3 the relationship between elastic modulus and water cement ratio has been shown.

Figure 1: Elastic Modulus vs Percentage of fly ash

Figure 2: Elastic Modulus vs 28 days compressive strength

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 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

Figure 3: Elastic Modulus vs Water-cement ratio

A relation between modulus of elasticity, compressive strength, percentage of fly ash and
water cement ratio has been determined from regression analysis,

Assuming a relation:
E fck fa / w
Or, E = fck fa / w ------- (3.2.1)
Where,
E = Modulus of Elasticity
fck = Compressive strength of concrete
fa = % fly ash replacement in RAC sample
w = Water cement ratio
= Constant of proportionality
From Figure 1,

E = K1 fa2 + K2 fa + K3 ------------ (3.2.2)

K1= -0.0058 , K2 =0.1005, K3= 2 .26

From Figure 2,

E = K4 fCK 2 + K5 fCK + K6 --------- (3.2.3)

K4= -0.125 , K5 =8.725, K6= -149.54

From Figure 3,

E = K7 w 2 + K8 w + K9 ------- (3.2.4)

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Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

K7= -6 , K8 =4, K9= 1.76

Combining above equations

E = (K1 fa2 + K2 fa + K3 )( K4 fCK 2 + K5 fCK + K6 ) /
( K7 w 2 + K8 w + K9 ) -------- (3.2.5)

Or, = -------- (3.2.6)

Where,
= (K1 fa2 + K2 fa + K3 )( K4 fCK 2 + K5 fCK + K6 ) /
( K7 w 2 + K8 w + K9 ) ---------(3.2.7)

Computing average for water cement ratio 0.4 and 0.5, derived value of modulus of
elasticity from above relation are computed below

Table 4: Comparison between predicted and experimental value of modulus of elasticity

SL w/c = 0.4 w/c = 0.5

Exp. E Calc. E % Exp. E Calc. E %
value value deviation value value deviation
1 24000 21334 11 22600 21244 6
2 27100 30028 10.8 26800 30765 15
3 23000 23585 2.5 19300 18142 6

It is observed that the value of modulus of elasticity calculated from the derived formula
tallies with the experimental results, so the relation could be used to predict the modulus of
elasticity of recycled aggregate concrete of different mixes.

3.3 Effect of fly ash on Compressive strength at different ages

Table 5 shows the compressive strength at various ages (7, 28, 90 days) for recycled
aggregate concrete and natural aggregate concrete. Compressive strength of RAC specimens
are found lower than that of NAC specimens. The percentage decrease in compressive
strength at all ages and all water cement ratio for the RAC specimens varies from 11% to
31%. However, reduction in compressive strength for recycled aggregate concrete with 10%
fly ash replacement (RAC1) is much lower (4% to 26%).

Table 5: Result of Compressive Strength

Mix Mix 7 days 28 days 90 days

NO. Designation Strength MPa Strength MPa Strength MPa
1 N.A.C 43.33 47 49.53
2 N.A.C1 45.2 50.74 54.4
3 R.A.C 31.1 36.88 42.07
4 R.A.C1 35.5 38 43.4
5 R.A.C2 30 36.33 41.19
6 NACa 32 38 40
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Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

7 NAC1a 36.4 39.5 42

8 RACa 28.9 33 35.33
9 RAC1a 31.2 35.4 38.22
10 RAC2a 25.75 32.4 37
11 NACb 26 34 36
12 NAC1b 27 36 38
13 RACb 19.8 26 27.5
14 RAC1b 20.2 30 32
15 RAC2b 19.7 25.8 26.5

3.4 Effect of fly ash on Split tensile and flexural strength

Table 6 presents the flexural and split tensile strength of specimens at 28 days. Comparison
with NAC specimen reveals a reduction of 6% in RAC specimen. However, significant
improvement can be noticed in the RAC1 specimen which show only 3% reduction in both
flexural strength and split tensile strength.

Table 6: Split tensile and Flexural strength at 28 days

Mix Mix Strength ( MPa)

No. Designation
Split tensile Percentage Flexural Percentage
change change
1 NAC 3.58 - 6 -
2 NAC1 3.7 (3.4) 6.2 (3.3)
3 RAC 3.37 (- 5.86) 5.64 (-6)
4 RAC1 3.68 (-2.8) 6.18 (3)
5 RAC2 3.0 (-16.2) 4.78 (-20.3)
Note: The value in the bracket ( ) indicates the percentage change of compressive
strength with respect to Mix No.1

It is noted that optimum replacement of cement by fly ash for RAC recovers the compressive
strength significantly. It shows that 10% fly ash replacement gives the maximum
compressive strength among RAC with normal fine aggregate. This may be due to optimal
gel formation, modified pore structure and improved interface bond between new cement
paste and recycled aggregate with old mortar attached to it.

3.5 Relation between compressive strength, age, percentage replacement of Fly ash and
water cement ratio

The relation between compressive strength of concrete, percent fly ash replacement, water
cement ratio and age of concrete are assumed as follows:

Assuming a relation:
fck fa / w
Or, fck = fa / w ---- ( 3.5.1)
Where,
= Constant of proportionality
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Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

fck= Compressive strength of recycled concrete

fa = % fly ash replacement in RAC sample

= Age of concrete
w = Reciprocal of Water cement ratio
From Figure 4 to 6, regression equations of different relationships between the above factors
have been obtained.

Figure 4: Strength of concrete vs Age of concrete

Figure 5: Strength of concrete vs Percentage Fly ash

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 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

Figure 6: Strength of concrete vs Reciprocal of water content

From Figure 4,
fck = K1 2 + K2 + K3 -------- (3.5.2)
Where,
K1 = -0.0027, K2 = 0.3955, K3 = 27.363
From Figure 5,
fck = K4 fa2 + K5 fa + K6 -------- (3.5.3)
Where,
K4 = -0.0139 , K5 = 0.2515 , K6 = 36.88
From Figure 6,
fck =K7w2-K8w+K9 ---------- (3.5.4)
Where,
K7 = -15.888, K8 = 79.256, K9= -61.96
Combining regression equations from Figure 1 , 2 & 3 as per eqn (3.5.1)
fck = (K1 2 + K2 + K3) (K4 fa2 + K5 fa + K6 ) / (K7w2-K8w+K9)
For Water content = 0.4
= 1.034576
For Water content = 0.5
= 0.823121
For Water content = 0.6
= 0.49344
Table 7: Comparison between predicted & experimental compressive strength of RAC mixes

Sl % fly Age of Water Exp. fck Calc. fck %

ash conc. content (MPa) (MPa) deviation
1 0 7 0.4 31.1 31.03 0.2

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Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

2 0 28 0.4 36.88 37.57 1.88

3 0 90 0.4 42.07 42.51 1.04
4 10 7 0.4 35.5 31.98 9.9
5 10 28 0.4 38 38.72 1.9
6 10 90 0.4 43.4 43.8 0.93
7 20 7 0.4 30 30.59 1.97
8 20 28 0.4 36.33 37.03 1.94
9 20 90 0.4 41.19 41.89 1.72
10 0 7 0.5 33.52 27.59 4.51
11 0 28 0.5 40.59 33.41 1.24
12 0 90 0.5 45.91 37.79 6.98
13 10 7 0.5 34.54 28.43 8.85
14 10 28 0.5 41.82 34.43 2.73
15 10 90 0.5 47.31 38.94 1.90
16 20 7 0.5 33.04 27.19 5.62
17 20 28 0.5 40.00 32.93 1.63
18 20 90 0.5 45.25 37.25 0.68
19 0 7 0.5 19.8 20.99 6.01
20 0 28 0.5 26 25.41 2.26
21 0 90 0.5 27.5 28.75 4.54
22 10 7 0.5 20.2 21.63 7.08
23 10 28 0.5 30 26.19 12.71
24 10 90 0.5 32 29.63 7.42
25 20 7 0.5 19.7 20.69 5.02
26 20 28 0.5 25.8 25.05 2.92
27 20 90 0.5
26.5 28.34 6.93

From table 7, it is found that, the test results and the calculated values are quite agreeable .

3.6 Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP) test

A typical plot between intruded mercury volume and pore diameter for recycled aggregate
concrete specimens is shown in Figure 7. Total pore volume of RAC is 8.4 cc/gm. However,
addition of 10% fly ash results in significant decrease of pore volume ( 5.2 cc/gm) .Major
portion of pores in RAC lies between 0.10 m to 4 m while in case of RAC1, most of the
pores lies between 0.03 m to 1 m. Results indicate reduced diameter of pore with addition
of fly ash ( 10% ) which explains in favour of getting higher strength of RAC1 over that of
RAC specimens.Incremental intrusion of mercury of RAC and RAC1 specimen is presented
in Figure 8. It can be clearly observed that RAC specimen exhibit noticeably high
incremental intrusion volume when compared to that of RAC1 specimen.

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 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

Figure 7: Comparison of Intruded Hg volume Vs pore diameter curve for RAC & RAC1

Figure 8: Comparison of Incremental intrusion of Hg volume vs Pore diameter

4. Conclusion

Based on the results obtained in the present study, following conclusions have been drawn:

1. Partial replacement of cement by fly ash leads to a encouraging result for the
Recycled aggregate concrete, which advocates the utilization of fly ash and Recycled

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aggregates (both are waste materials and endanger the environment) for making
concrete.
2. Recycled aggregate concrete with 10% fly ash gives higher compressive strength over
Recycled aggregate concrete.
3. Though split tensile and flexural strength are lower in recycled aggregate concrete, it
could be improved to an extent by adding 10% by replacement of cement by fly ash.
4. Pore structure of recycled aggregate concrete could be improved by addition of fly
ash with respect of total pore volume as well as pore diameter.
5. Developed equations could predict the value of elastic modulus in direct compression
and compressive strength of recycled aggregate with reasonable accuracy.

5. References

1. Yamato TakeshiI, Emoto Yukio, Soeda Masashi and Sakamoto Yoshifumi (1988),
Some Properties Of Recycled Aggregate Concrete. Proceedings of the Second
International Symposium held by RILEM on Demolition and Reuse of Concrete
and Masonry, pp-643-651.

2. Ravindrararajah R. and Tam C.T. (1988), Methods of Improving the Quality of

Recycled Aggregate Concrete. Proceedings of the Second International
Symposium held by RILEM on Demolition and Reuse of Concrete and Masonry.
pp 575-584.

3. Topcu I.B. (1997), Physical and Mechanical Properties of Concretes Produced

With Waste Concrete. Cement and Concrete Research, 27(12), pp 1817-1823.

4. Bairagi N.K., Ravande Kishore and Pareek V.K. (1992), Properties of Recycled
Aggregate Concrete. Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 9 (1993) pp 109-
126.

5. Mondal S and Ghosh A Study on properties of recycled aggregate concrete, ICI

bulletin No.68, Indian Concrete Institute, July-September 1999, pp 21-23

6. M. Barra De Oliviea, E Vasquz (1996), The influence of retained moisture in

aggregates from recycling on the properties of new hardened concrete, Waste
manage, 16(1-3), pp113-117

7. A.Katz (2003), Properties of concrete made with recycled aggregate from partially
hydrated old concrete Cement and Concrete Research 33, pp 703-711

8. H.J Chen, T Yen, K.H.Chen (2003), Use of building nibbles as recycled aggregate
Cement and Concrete Research 33, pp 125-132

9. J.M.Khatib (2005), Properties of concrete incorporating fine recycled aggregate

Cement and Concrete Research, 35, pp 763-769

10. IS 12269:1987, Specification for 53 grade ordinary Portland cement, , Bureau of

Indian Standards , New Delhi

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 Direct compressive strength and Elastic modulus of recycled aggregate concrete
Gupta Arundeb, Mandal Saroj, Ghosh Somnath

11. IS: 383: 1970, Specification for Coarse and Fine Aggregates from Natural Sources
for Concrete (Second Revision). Bureau of Indian Standards , New Delhi

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