Unlocking fRCA Potential: Mortar Testing & Optimization

Abstract

The increasing demand for sand in the construction sector underscores the need for sustainable alternatives to natural sand. This bachelor's thesis explores the application of Fine Recycled Concrete Aggregate (fRCA) produced by Heating air and classification system (HAS) from the Concrete To Cement and Aggregate (C2CA) technology as a sustainable substitute for natural sand. fRCA consists of pure sand and cementitious material, with the removal of extraneous substances such as timber and steel. While fRCA finds applications in various sectors, the challenges in its use in mortar include property variations, cost considerations, and the absence of quality control standards. Addressing these challenges would be crucial for the wider adoption of fRCA in mortar applications. This research aims to characterize fRCA properties, enhance fRCA quality through acid treatment and milling, determine optimal milling parameters, investigate the influence of the water-cement (W/C) ratio on mortar workability, and assess the compressive and tensile strength of mortar with fRCA. The central inquiry pertains to identifying the optimal approach for enhancing fRCA properties and integrating it into concrete mixes for civil engineering applications. The study is exploring the effects of untreated fRCA, milled fRCA, and acid-washed fRCA on mortar properties. It is also determined the ideal quantity of milled fRCA to replace natural sand in mortar mixtures. The theoretical evaluation of sustainability in mortar mixes utilizing this specific fRCA have been conducted. This research did not investigate the chemical properties of fRCA. Notably, the quality of fRCA differs from that of Natural Aggregate (NA), characterized by distinct particle size distributions and water absorption properties. While fRCA can effectively replace NA in mortar mixtures, it does affect compressive strength due to higher water absorption and the partial retention of cementitious material. However, by milling or treating it with ACID, the quality of fRCA can be improved, making it possible to use fRCA as a replacement for NS in mortars. The optimal substitution rate of NA with fRCA is identified as 25%, with the possibility of an increase to 100%, depending on the specific application. The integration of fRCA in concrete holds potential for sustainability by reducing reliance on natural resources and curbing waste generated by the construction industry.