Performance and Economic Analysis of the Utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste as Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Construction and demolition (C&D) wastes are increasing continuously with intensified construction activities worldwide resulting in ecological concerns. Recycling of these waste products into recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) in base and sub-base layers of pavement is one of the solutions for the problem. Thus, the present study is an in-depth investigation of the utilization of the RCA in construction sector containing laboratory tests, microstructural characterization, and economic analysis. The experiment revealed that, for each mix proportion, the maximum dry density decreases and the ideal moisture content increases as the cement percentage is increased. The 7-day average ultimate compressive strength value for natural aggregates (NA) and recycled concrete (RCA) combined with additives met the requirements. The durability index for all the mix proportions was greater than 0.80. Finally, it was found that 17.86% of the material cost was saved with incorporation of RCA (50%)-NA (50%) for the construction of the sub-base layer of the pavement.