Research: Long-Term Durability Assessment of Concrete Incorporating Recycled Aggregate ...

Research question: How does the incorporation of recycled aggregate and construction-demolition waste affect the long-term durability of structural concrete under simulated environmental exposures?

Concrete production contributes significantly to global resource depletion and waste generation, prompting interest in sustainable alternatives such as recycled aggregates and construction-demolition waste (CDW) as partial or full replacements for natural aggregates. The use of these recycled materials could reduce landfill demand and limit the extraction of virgin resources, but concerns persist regarding their impact on concrete durability and structural integrity over time.

Despite increasing laboratory investigations, there remains a lack of comprehensive, systematic studies examining the long-term durability performance—specifically under aggressive environmental conditions—of concrete incorporating different proportions of recycled aggregate and CDW. Current literature often focuses on mechanical properties or short-term behaviors, leaving a gap in understanding their resistance to phenomena such as chloride ingress, freeze-thaw cycles, and carbonation.

This project will design and execute controlled experiments to evaluate the durability of recycled-aggregate and CDW concrete, using standardized accelerated aging tests (e.g., rapid chloride penetration, freeze-thaw resistance, and carbonation depth) and compare results with conventional concrete. Statistical analysis will quantify durability indicators, and microstructural examinations (SEM, XRD) will elucidate underlying mechanisms.

By providing robust comparative data on durability and failure mechanisms, this research will inform standards and practice for sustainable structural concrete, enabling broader adoption in infrastructure with confidence in its long-term performance.