Characterisation and Life Cycle Assessment of Pervious Concrete with Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Abstract

The search for environmental preservation and conservation of natural resources gives rise to new concepts and viable technical solutions on the path to sustainable development. In this context, this study's main objective is to analyse the influence of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) on the development of pervious concrete, whose use as a floor covering represents an excellent device to mitigate the urban soil sealing phenomena. For this, mechanical and hydraulic tests were carried out, in addition to microstructural analyses and the assessment of its environmental performance. The results obtained were compared to reference studies also involving the incorporation of recycled aggregates. A pilot-scale case study was conducted, involving a parking space lined with pervious concrete moulded "in situ". In laboratory tests, permeability coefficients and mechanical strengths compatible with the literature and above the normative limit for light traffic were found. The case study demonstrated higher permeability than in the laboratory, but the flexural strength was lower, being indicated only for pedestrian traffic. The environmental assessment showed that the RCA represents a positive contribution to the environmental performance of pervious concrete. Still, attention should be given to the recycled aggregate transport distance between the concrete plant and the RCA treatment plant.

Influence of the Addition of Recycled Aggregates and Polymer Fibers on the Properties of Pervious Concrete

“…The storage of massive quantities of waste rubber tires or construction materials coming from demolition activities, especially in urban areas, is one of the global largest sustainability challenges and environmental concerns [8][9][10][11][12]. Another issue is the depletion of natural resources for aggregates used in concrete manufacturing, thus even partial substitution of natural components in concrete is worth the effort.…”

Life Cycle Assessment of Pervious Pavements: Integrative Review and Novel Ideas of Analysis

“…Other authors studied the effects of replacing natural aggregates with recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) or reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) in the production of pervious pavements. For example, Paula Junior et al [71] investigated the effect of replacing 100% of natural aggregates with RCA in pervious concrete. The RCA production presented a lower potential environmental impact when compared to the production of natural aggregates.…”

Scaled concrete beams containing maximum levels of coarse recycled aggregate: Structural verifications for precast‐concrete building applications

“…• The coarse fraction is composed of particles >4 mm that consist of NA and adhered mortar. 16,17 Compared to coarse NA, the presence of adhered mortar in coarse RA lowers its density, raises its water absorption levels, and lessens its adherence within the new cementitious concrete matrix when used as an aggregate. 18,19 All these aspects decrease concrete workability, strength, and elastic stiffness.…”

“…RA is probably the most widely studied sustainable aggregate in the literature 12,13 . Although all RA is sourced from the crushing of unused concrete components, 14,15 a distinction is usually drawn between the behavior of the coarse and the fine fractions: The coarse fraction is composed of particles >4 mm that consist of NA and adhered mortar 16,17 . Compared to coarse NA, the presence of adhered mortar in coarse RA lowers its density, raises its water absorption levels, and lessens its adherence within the new cementitious concrete matrix when used as an aggregate 18,19 .…”