WACHAMO UNIVERSTY

DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION
TECHNOLOGY AND MANAGMNET

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 Technical Report Writing & Research Method

ASSESSMENT ON PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED AGGREGATE CONCRETE

IN THE CONTEXT OF ADDIS ABABA

NAME ID
BIRTUKAN MOLLA 130 57 26

Submitted To: - Msc Betelhem Beyene

Submission Date :- 15/04/2014 G.C

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 Table of content

Table of Content....................................................................................................................................................Ii
List of Tables........................................................................................................................................................Iii
1. ABSTRACT......................................................................................................................................................1
2. INTRODUCTIONS...........................................................................................................................................1
3.1 BACKGROUND............................................................................................................................................2
3.2 OBJECTIVES.................................................................................................................................................3
General Objective.................................................................................................................................................3
Specific Objectives...............................................................................................................................................3
3.3 Statement Of The Problem..............................................................................................................................3
4.LITERATURE REVIEW...................................................................................................................................5
4.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................5
4.2 Recycled Aggregate Concrete.........................................................................................................................6
4.3 Properties Of Recycled Aggregate..................................................................................................................6
4.3.1 Size Distribution....................................................................................................................................6
4.3.2 Strength.................................................................................................................................................6
4.3.3 Water Absorption..................................................................................................................................7
5. METHODOLOGY............................................................................................................................................7
5.1 Introduction.....................................................................................................................................................7
5.2 Material Preparation........................................................................................................................................8
5.2.1 Water.....................................................................................................................................................8
5.2.2 Cement..................................................................................................................................................9
5.2.3 Fine Aggregate......................................................................................................................................9
5.2.4 Coarse Aggregate..................................................................................................................................9
5.2.5 Recycled Aggregate...............................................................................................................................9
6 WORK PLAN...............................................................................................................................................10
7. BUDGET BREAKDOWN..............................................................................................................................10
8. REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................12

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 List of Tables

Table 6.1 Work plan...............................................................................................................................................10

Table 7.2 Budget breakdown 10

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 1. ABSTRACT
Applicability of recycled aggregate in concrete can be useful for environmental protection. Recycled aggregates
are the materials for the future. The application of recycled aggregate has been started in a large number of
construction projects throughout the world. Many countries are giving infrastructural laws relaxation for
increasing the use of recycled aggregate. Based on the years of extensive experimental research, and the research
conducted by eminent experts, an overview is provided of the most basic properties and application of recycled
aggregate concrete. It has been shown that the application of recycled aggregate concrete, as the component
materials in the concrete mixtures, it is possible to produce structural concrete that can be satisfactory and even
with high quality, which primarily depends on the characteristics of crushed demolished concrete.

This research reports the basic properties of recycled aggregate & also compares these properties with natural
aggregates. Basic changes in all coarse aggregate properties are determined and their effects on concreting work
are discussed at length. Similarly the properties of recycled aggregate concrete are also determined. Basic
concrete properties like compressive strength, split tensile strength and flexural strength will be studied.

2. INTRODUCTIONS
Addis Ababa is experiencing rapid urbanization and infrastructural development, leading to a surge in
construction activities. With a burgeoning population and increasing demand for housing, commercial spaces,
and infrastructure, the construction sector in Addis Ababa faces significant challenges, including resource
scarcity, waste management, and environmental sustainability concerns.

Concrete, as the most widely used construction material globally, plays a pivotal role in meeting the growing
infrastructure needs of Addis Ababa. However, the conventional production of concrete heavily relies on natural
aggregates, leading to the depletion of finite resources and exacerbating environmental degradation. Moreover,
the generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste further compounds these challenges, posing a
pressing need for sustainable alternatives in the construction sector.

In response to these challenges, the concept of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) emerges as a promising
solution that aligns with the principles of circular economy and sustainable development. RAC involves
incorporating recycled aggregates, derived from C&D waste, into concrete production, thereby reducing the
demand for natural resources, diverting waste from landfills, and mitigating environmental impacts associated
with conventional concrete production.

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In the context of Addis Ababa, where the availability of natural aggregates is limited and the management of
C&D waste remains a challenge, the exploration of RAC presents an opportune avenue for addressing both
environmental and economic concerns. However, the successful implementation of RAC in Addis Ababa
necessitates a comprehensive understanding of its properties, performance, and suitability for various
construction applications.

Therefore, this assessment aims to evaluate the properties of recycled aggregate concrete in the context of Addis
Ababa, with a focus on mechanical properties, durability, and environmental sustainability. By systematically
analyzing the performance of RAC and comparing it with conventional concrete, this study seeks to provide
insights into its feasibility, effectiveness, and potential benefits for sustainable construction practices in Addis
Ababa.

Through this assessment, we aim to contribute to the body of knowledge on sustainable construction materials
and practices, facilitate informed decision-making among stakeholders in the construction industry, and promote
the adoption of environmentally responsible solutions to address the evolving challenges faced by Addis Ababa's
urban landscape.

3.1 BACKGROUND
This paper shall try to investigate the properties of recycled aggregate concrete, because the growth rate of
urbanization in Ethiopia is very high due to industrialization. Rapid infrastructure development requires a large
quantity of construction materials and land requirements. For large construction, concrete is preferred as it has
longer life, low maintenance cost & better performance.

Practically, Concrete is the second most widely consumed resource in the world after water in the last few
decades. The continuous global demand for concrete implies that more aggregate and cement would be required
in the production of concrete thereby leading to more extraction, depletion of deposits of natural gravel.

Protection of environment is also a basic factor which is directly connected with the survival of the human race.
Parameters like environmental consciousness, protection of natural resources, sustainable development, play an
important role in modern requirements of construction works. Due to modernization, smaller structures are
demolished & new towers are constructed and demolished materials were dumped on land & not used for any
purpose. Such situations affect the fertility of land. For production of natural aggregates there is also more
carbon existence whereas preparation of recycled aggregate produced less carbon.

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The use of recycled aggregate generally increases the drying shrinkage creep & porosity to water & reduces the
cost & carbon emission for dumping at public/ private disposal facilities.

The source of recycled aggregates would be existing structures that have reached the end of their structural life
and must be replaced, concrete wastes and concrete asphalt wastes. The Addis Ababa city construction projects
would be an example of a location that might benefit from recycling the aggregate from the demolishing
structures and construction wastages into the replacement structures.

As a sustainable solution to the lack of natural resources, modeled after the experience of the world's biggest
economies, which strategically approached the concept of reusing aggregates which were found from destroyed
structures during disasters, purposely demolished structures or construction wastages, this paper suggests, to
scientific and professional community, a possibility of recycling wasted construction material, primarily
concrete, which is mostly used. The properties of recycled aggregate

concrete produced from the aforementioned materials and contribute greatly in ensuring that the construction
sector increases the use of recycled aggregate beyond the current recommendation.

Generally, the above major points motivate me to consider on investigating and comparing the results of
recycled aggregates and natural aggregates.

3.2 OBJECTIVES
General Objective

 To assess the properties of recycled aggregate concrete by replacing the natural aggregate with different
percentages of crushed concrete recycled aggregate

Specific Objectives

 To study the effectiveness of recycled aggregate in concrete

 To design optimum mix of concrete by using recycled aggregate
 To study mechanical behavior of concrete by using recycled aggregate

3.3 Statement of the problem

Addis Ababa is undergoing rapid urbanization and infrastructure development, leading to a substantial increase
in construction activities. However, the construction sector in Addis Ababa faces significant challenges related to
resource scarcity, waste management, and environmental sustainability.

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One of the primary challenges is the depletion of natural aggregates, which are essential components of
conventional concrete production. The high demand for aggregates exacerbates the strain on already limited
natural resources, contributing to environmental degradation and escalating construction costs. Additionally, the
generation of construction and demolition (C&D) waste further exacerbates the problem, as much of this waste
ends up in landfills, posing environmental hazards and wasting valuable materials.

In response to these challenges, recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) emerges as a potential solution that aligns
with principles of sustainable development nd circular economy. By incorporating recycled aggregates derived
from C&D waste into concrete production, RAC offers the dual benefits of resource conservation and waste
reduction. However, the successful implementation of RAC in Addis Ababa requires addressing several key
issues and uncertainties:

1. **Performance and Durability**: There is a need to assess the mechanical properties, durability, and long-
term performance of RAC in comparison to conventional concrete. Understanding how RAC performs under
various loading conditions, environmental exposures, and aging processes is essential for ensuring its suitability
for different construction applications in Addis Ababa.

2. **Quality of Recycled Aggregates**: The quality of recycled aggregates, including their particle size
distribution, shape, and composition, significantly influences the properties of RAC. Assessing the quality of
recycled aggregates available in Addis Ababa and understanding their impact on the properties of RAC is crucial
for optimizing concrete mix designs and ensuring the consistency and reliability of RAC.

3. **Environmental Impact**: While RAC offers potential environmental benefits, such as reduced carbon
footprint and decreased demand for natural resources, its overall environmental impact needs to be
comprehensively evaluated. This includes considering factors such as energy consumption, greenhouse gas
emissions, and potential leaching of contaminants from recycled aggregates into the environment.

4. **Regulatory and Policy Framework**: The successful adoption of RAC in Addis Ababa also depends on
the existence of supportive regulatory frameworks, standards, and policies governing the use of recycled
materials in construction. Identifying regulatory barriers and assessing the adequacy of existing policies to
promote the use of RAC is essential for fostering its wider acceptance and implementation.

Addressing these challenges and uncertainties is critical for unlocking the full potential of recycled aggregate
concrete as a sustainable construction material in the context of Addis Ababa. By investigating these issues, this

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assessment seeks to provide valuable insights into the feasibility, effectiveness, and implications of adopting
RAC in the construction industry, ultimately contributing to more sustainable urban development in Addis
Ababa.

4. LITERATURE REVIEW
4.1 Introduction
In recent years, there are various studies on concrete in diversifying sources of the materials involved. Among
the materials involved in the study of which is the aggregate. Now there are various types of aggregate which has
been produced. Among the resulting aggregate consists of crushed glass, materials industrial waste, the
construction waste such as concrete, crushed brick and more.

Through the observation of several studies, see that the material used in this study consists of waste materials.
The evidence can be seen with the aggregate income by disposal of construction waste such as crushed brick,
blocks and concrete that has been done in many countries. These materials are usually available from the work of
collapsed buildings or structures. Actually, the use of this material has been instituted at about more than 50
years after the end of the Second World War. Countries involved in the war have resulted in the city piled with a
lot of concrete piles from the effects of fire. With the presence of a lot of concrete piles, there is a problem of
disposal of these materials. Then here comes the idea of remaining debris is used as a new aggregate alternative
measures for the disposal of this material.

Currently, there are several factors that lead to the use of waste materials as aggregate concrete. Among these are
economic factors in the areas difficult to get the aggregate supply due to the lack of these resources and at the
same time to travel far distances to obtain these materials from seek to apply the existing aggregate. In addition,
the remaining concrete is cheaper than the cost of disposal.

According to a researcher, Frandistou-Yannas, 1980, there are several factors to the successful use of this
material as a new aggregate. Among these are:-

 There remains a concrete waste materials and excess

 High disposal costs for waste material are concrete
 Major route facilitating the concrete waste is picked up large trucks
 There are suitable industrial lands
 The lack of other quality materials to be used as the cost of the aggregate is high
 Existing markets.

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 4.2 Recycled aggregate concrete

The crushing characteristics of hardened concrete are similar to those of natural rock and are not
significantly affected by the grade or quality of the original concrete. Recycled aggregates produced from
all but the poorest quality original concrete can be expected to pass the same test required of conventional
aggregates. Recycled aggregate can be batched, mixed, transported, placed and compacted in the same
manners as convention concrete. Special care is necessary when using fine recycled aggregate. Only up to
10%-20% recycled fine aggregate is beneficial. The aggregate should be tested at several substitution rates
to determine the optimal rate.
4.3 Properties of recycled aggregate
4.3.1 Size distribution

Generally, a series of successive crushers are used, with oversize particles being returned to the respective
crusher to achieve desirable grading. The best particle distribution shape is usually achieved by primary
crushing and then secondary crushing, but from an economic point of view, a single crushing process is
usually most effective. Primary crushing usually reduces the concrete rubble to about 50 mm pieces and on
the way to the second crusher, electromagnets is used to remove any metal impurities in the material
(Corinaldesi et al., 2002). The particle shape analysis of recycled aggregate indicates similar particle shape
of natural aggregate obtained from crushed rock. The recycled aggregate generally meets all the standard
requirements of aggregate used in concrete.

4.3.2 Strength

Though researchers have reported a reduction in strength in recycled aggregate, it should be noted that the
extent of reduction is related to the parameters such as the type of concrete used for making the recycle
aggregate (high, medium or low strength), replacement ratio, water/cement ratio and the moisture
condition of the recycled aggregate.

For example, Katz found that at a high w/c ratio (between 0.6 and 0.75), the strength of recycled aggregate
is comparable to that of reference concrete even at a replacement level of 75% (Katz, 2003). Rao found the
strength of recycled aggregate and reference concrete to be comparable even at 100% replacement,
provided that the water-cement ratio was higher than 0.55 (Rao, 2005). However, as the water— cement
ratio is reduced to 0.40, the strength of RAC was only about 75% of the reference mix (Rao, 2005).

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4.3.3 Water absorption

The water absorption in recycled aggregate ranges from 3 to 12% for the coarse and the fine fractions
(Katz, 2003 and Rao, 2005) with the actual value depending upon the type of concrete used for producing
the aggregate. It may be noted that this value is much higher than that of the natural aggregates whose
absorption is about 0.5-1%. The high porosity of the recycled aggregates can mainly be attributed to the
residue of mortar adhering to the original aggregate.

5. METHODOLOGY

5.1 Introduction

In this part the methodology of this research will be explained how the research question will be answered
and what procedures need to be taken before any result and conclusions can be found. To be able to carry
out this research successfully a methodology has to be developed. This way, gaining satisfactory results
and answers to the main and sub questions will go more smoothly.

Regarding the objectives, laboratory works need to be done to obtain the data and information related to the
project. The data is the reference of study experiment that has to be done. After discussion of study
objectives in introduction part, some experiment need to be done in order to achieve that objective given
such as soundness, elongation, flowability tests and compressive strength and water absorption.
Information and material from the experiment will help to collect the information regarding the study and
also can help to achieve the study objective. Several planned before laboratory work will make sure our
work more regulated nicely and systematic.

The step that has to take before laboratory works such as:

 Preparing a flow chart regarding the experiment that has to be done as a reference to laboratory
keeper to facilitate a preparing regarding experiment needs
 List all of the material and equipment that needs in laboratory experiment. This is important in
order to make sure the work complete and arrangeable
 Inform the technician about the experiment works that have been planned to do

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 Material
Delivery of Mat rial Making ready the materials

Thermal
Adjusting water/cement ratio according to thermal condition

Cubes
Sampling by replacing natural aggregates by recycled aggregates in diffent percentages
(0 to 1 0, 25 to 75, 50 to 50, 75 to 25 & 100 to 0)

Data
S ving data from samples thermal tests

Test
Laboratory testing in the 7th day, 14th day & 28th day from all types f samples

Figure 5.1 Research laboratory test flow chart diagram

5.2 Material preparation

5.2.1 Water

Water or tap water can be used and suitable for manufacturing brick. Water used should be of potable
quality if possible, but in no case should dirty or saline water be used. Water sources from rivers or
groundwater are usually suitable for making cement mixtures. Actually, water is need for two purposes
that are for chemical reaction with cement and contribute the workability. The workability or
consistency is affected by the water content, the amount of cement paste in the overall mix and the
physical characteristics of the aggregates such as maximum size, shape and grading. Only 1/3 of the
water is needed for chemical reaction while the extra water remains in pores and holes. Water is
important because water distribute every single particles of cement so every crushed rock are covered
tightly and water make the mixture of concrete easy to handle.

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 Water from standing ponds or swamps may be high in organic materials and it is not suitable to use in brick
mixture. The mass ratio of water to cement is the main factor that determines the strength of brick. A lower
water cement ratio will yield a concrete which is stronger, while higher water to cement ratio make a
concrete with a lower strength.

5.2.2 Cement

The most common hydraulic cement is ordinary Portland cement, a finely pulverized material that develops
its binding property using water. The term hydraulic cement is referred as any cement that turns into a
solid product in the presence of water, resulting in a material that does not disintegrate in water (Shan
Somayaji, 2001). The raw materials used to manufacture Portland cement are lime, silica, alumina, and iron
oxide. It is manufactured by heating a mixture of limestone and clay until it almost fuses and then grinding
the clinker to a fine powder. The maximum size of the cement particles is 0.09 mm and the average
diameter of the particles are smaller than 0.045 mm, and the average diameter is
0.01 mm (Shan Somayaji, 2001).

5.2.3 Fine aggregate

River sand fine aggregates are formed from weathering and decomposition of all types of rock, the most
abundant material constituent being quartz. It is used in variety of products such as brick, glass, concrete
and explosives. Manufactured sand is produced by crushing stones, gravel or air-cooled blast-furnace slag
and is characterized by sharp and angular particles. Sand is known as very fine loose fragment of crushed
rock. Fine aggregates also known as sand shown consists of natural particles.

5.2.4 Coarse aggregate

In conventional concrete crushed rock was used as coarse aggregate. Coarse aggregate should be rough and
clean with broken faces; rounded particles will not adhere well in the mixture and should be avoided, if
possible. In this study, the crushed rock with different sizes will be used.

5.2.5 Recycled aggregate

The recycled aggregates for this study are to be collected from demolition concrete structures and put
through crushing machine. The facility accepts only uncontaminated recycled aggregates, which must be
free of trash, wood, paper and other such type of materials.

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 The process of preparing an initial aggregate used for the study is, as known, the sources of aggregate used
after the concrete compressive strength tests performed. It is done in cube tests. These tests can be found
mainly in construction laboratories or in construction sites. Cubes are collected and compiled through the
process of destruction. Crushing process begins with a cube Machine Jaw Crusher. This machine is used
only to solve the cube into smaller chunks according to the desired aggregate size. This crushing process
control activities to obtain the desired aggregate size. In the study, different sizes of aggregate for the
purpose of concrete mix are used. To further isolate the size of each aggregate, sieve analysis process
should be done. Sieve analysis process is to sort and find the aggregate size required to apply for certain.

6 WORK PLAN

The thesis needs the time schedule as it is provided below in order to achieve what our program is
assessing and showing the improvement practices of design management towards the government building
construction projects. It is the maximum estimated time schedule but we will be trying to crash the time as
much as possible while we are running the program.
No Months nove-2016 dec-2016 jan-2016 feb-2016 march-2016 April-2016
Weeks 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4

Activities
1 Literature Review
x x x x
2 Collecting materials
x Xx x x x
3 Sample preparation
and tests, including
x x x x x x x x
Laboratory test
4 Analyzing the results x x x Xx
5 Output recording
Xx x x
6 Final reports &
submission
x x x X
Table 6.1 Work plan

7. BUDGET BREAKDOWN

The following cost breakdown is prepared to accomplish the research project efficiently and it is also funded
by ECDSWC (Ethiopian Construction Design and Supervision Works Corporation).

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Table 7.2 Budget breakdown
Unit Price Total Price
No Items Unit Quantity (Birr) (Birr)

1.1 Writing and Printing Pages 700 6.00 4200.00

1.2 Photocopy Pages 650 1.50 975.00
Paper work &
1 Electronics 1.3 Books (buy) No 18 200.00 3600.00
1.4 Electronics & Internet … … 3000.00 3000.00

2.1 Cement Qtl 6 280.00 1680.00

2.2 Natural Aggregate M3 4 800.00 3200.00
2 Materials 2.3 Recycled Aggregate M3 4 500.00 2000.00
2.4 Tools No 20 450.00 1000.00

3 Travel cost Days 45 150.00 6750.00

4 Sampling including labor Days 40 450 18000.00
Total 53405.00

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 8. REFERENCES
 Amorim, P., de Brito, J., & Evangelista, L, 2012. Concrete Made with Coarse Concrete
Aggregate. Influence of Curing on Durability. ACI Materials Journal.

 Corinaldesi, C et al, 2011. Viral decay and production in sediments of the Mediterranean Sea.

 Frondistou–Yannas, 1980. Recycled concrete as new aggregates. Progress in Concrete

Technology. CANMET, Energy Mines and Resources Canada, Ottawa, Canada, pp. 639–684.

 Ideker, J. H., M. P. Adams, J. Tanner, & A. Jones, 2011. Durability Assessment of Recycled
Concrete Aggregates for Use in New Concrete. Portland. Oregon Transportation Research and
Education Consortium.

 Katz, A., 2003. Properties of Concrete Made with Recycled Aggregate from Partially Hydrated
Old Concrete.

 Limbachiya, M., M. S. Meddah, & Y. Ouchagour, 2012. Use of Recycled Concrete Aggregate in
Fly-Ash Concrete. Construction & Building Materials, 439-449.

 Rao, A., 2005. Experimental Investigation on Use of Recycled Aggregates in Mortar and
Concrete.

 Shan Somayaji, 2001. Civil engineering materials

 Smith, J. T., & S. L. Tighe, 2009. Recycled Concrete Aggregate Coefficient of Thermal
Expansion. Transportation Research Board. Journal of the Transportation Research Board, 53-
61.

 Snyder, M., 2006. Recycled Concrete Aggregate. Unpublished raw data

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