Green concrete : a sustainable construction material

Abstract

This book explores recycling and reusing construction wastes as alternative coarse aggregates and presents this as a possible solution for the major challenge of making sustainable concrete. It explores the reduction of cement use and the overcoming of some inferiorities in recycled coarse aggregate through the partial substitution of cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). The book evaluates the effect of low-volume SCMs (mainly fly ash) in 100% recycled coarse aggregate based concrete and comprehensively investigates this sustainable concrete for strength, safety, serviceability and sustainability. More specifically, this book discusses macro and microstructure properties, environmental impact assessment and performance of structural components. It explores the use of the particle packing mix design method (PPM) for concrete proportioning as it compensates lesser modulus of elasticity of RAC and is beneficial in lowering the environmental impact of concrete. Necessary modifications in mix design, mixing and design of concrete mixes are suggested to make this concrete safe for construction practice. It illustrates different mechanisms and results through figures, histograms, tables and experimental test pictures showing the failure pattern of structural elements and microstructure of concrete. Readers can get a clear understanding of the performance of this SCM incorporated RAC at various scales like micro, macro and structural components.