Sustainable production of New Jersey barriers using recycled concrete aggregate

Construction and demolition waste is growing globally and becoming a significant problem. Sustainable approaches are being integrated into the construction industry to address it innovatively. This study examines the use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and its practical application in New Jersey barriers across various concrete mixes. Eight concrete mixes were prepared and tested chemically, physically, and mechanically. The mixes used two types of cement (CEM I 42.5 N and CEM II A/P 42.5 N), four types of coarse aggregates (10 and 20 mm natural and recycled aggregate), and two types of fine aggregate (natural and recycled). The results showed greater potential for CEM I mixes than for CEM II mixes. At a cement content of 350 kg/m3, the results showed that the two types of cement could be used with RCA to produce New Jersey barriers with a compressive strength of 250 kg/cm2. Thus, the paper concluded that further exploration of the varying uses of RCA as a raw material within concrete mixes is crucial.