The enhancement of engineering characteristics in recycled aggregates concrete combined effect of fly ash, silica fume and PP fiber

In today's world, enhancing the performance of recycled aggregate concrete is an essential need, as it ensures the effective utilization of demolished construction waste. The advantages of fly ash and polypropylene fiber in conventional strength concrete are well known. However Further research is required to evaluate the impact of using fly ash, silica fume and polypropylene fiber in case of RA and its effect on the properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). This study evaluates the effects of using 50%, 75%, and 100% recycled aggregate (RA) and 1%, 2%, and 3% polypropylene fiber with a fixed amount of fly ash and silica fume 87 kg/m3 and 21.75 kg/m3. The objective is to determine how these combinations affect concrete strength and durability properties (compression, tensile strength, acid resistance and water absorption). This study also investigates the reliability of non-destructive tests, ultrasonic pulse velocity and rebound number, in the presence of polypropylene (PP) fibers and fly ash with recycled aggregate. The experimental investigation showed that the combination of RA based concrete, fly ash (FA), and polypropylene fiber (PPF) improved concrete durability and strength. The concrete compressive strength made with 50% RA was 13% lesser than that of control concrete, but with the incorporation 3% PP fiber the same mix achieved 5% higher strength than control mix. On the other hand, the concrete compressive strength made with 75% RA and 100% RA was experimentally found 19% and 22% lower, respectively than control mix. The combinations containing constant fly ash and PPF, in addition to 50% recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), demonstrate greater resistance when exposed to sulfuric acid (H2SO4) environments, in comparison to the control mixture. However, the worst performance is shown by mix (100% RA).