Construction and Demolition Waste as Coarse Aggregate in Structural Beam: An Analysis of Physical, Mechanical, and Environmental Impacts

Abstract

The substitution of natural coarse aggregate with recycled coarse aggregate from construction and demolition (RCD) waste has been demonstrated as feasible for structural concrete applications. This research is crucial because it addresses both performance and sustainability aspects, ensuring that concrete with recycled aggregates meets strength and durability requirements while supporting quality assurance and regulatory compliance. By showcasing that up to 100% substitution is viable, the study highlights a significant reduction in environmental impacts, such as reduced aggregate extraction and minimized RCD waste disposal issues. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) further emphasizes the environmental benefits, showing that using 100% recycled aggregates generates fewer emissions, consumes less energy, and utilizes fewer non-renewable resources. This underscores the potential of recycled materials to lower the environmental footprint of construction practices. However, the research also identifies the importance of considering transportation distances, which affect environmental impact categories, suggesting that future studies should address this variable to optimize the benefits of using recycled aggregates.