Waste to Strength: Investigating Recycled Concrete Aggregates for Sustainable Construction

The increasing generation of construction and demolition waste, combined with the rapid depletion of natural resources, has made it imperative to explore sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. One such alternative is the use of Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) in the production of structural concrete. This research, titled "Waste to Strength: Investigating Recycled Concrete Aggregates for Sustainable Construction", aims to assess the viability of using recycled aggregates as a partial or full replacement for natural coarse aggregates in M30 grade concrete. While recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has been studied extensively for its compressive strength, limited attention has been given to its long-term durability, especially in reinforced concrete structures. This study focuses on both the mechanical and durability performance of RAC. The primary objectives include evaluating the compressive strength of M30 grade concrete made with recycled aggregates and assessing its resistance to chloride ion penetration through the Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RCPT). The study emphasizes the dual benefits of using RCA reducing environmental degradation caused by demolition waste and conserving natural aggregates while ensuring that the structural integrity of the concrete remains within acceptable limits. The findings contribute to the growing need for sustainable construction materials and promote the use of recycled waste in load-bearing applications. Keywords: Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC), Demolition Waste, Sustainable Construction, Compressive Strength, Durability, Chloride Penetration, M30 Grade Concrete, Environmental Impact, Circular Economy in Construction.