Recycled Concrete for Structural Applications: What are the Benefits?
13 March 2020Recycled concrete is used in variety of essential purposes and one of its most underrated purposes is for structural applications. In many instances, once leftover concrete is taken to a recycling facility where it is broken into small pieces using grinder machines – any foreign particles like rebar or wood in the sorted concrete must be removed to make it useful. From there, a magnet is used to remove rebar from the pavement. Sometimes concrete is placed in the water to remove contaminants. After the cleaning and sorting process is done, the recycled concrete is ready to use. Below are the benefits of recycled concrete for structural applications.
Recycle Concrete Promotes a Sustainable Environment
The use of recycled aggregate has been explored to lead to a sustainable future as it provides an alternative to traditional natural concrete. Experimental investigations showed that concrete using recycled aggregate compared to natural aggregate have lower strength. For the construction industry to be sustainable, recycled aggregate must be widely used and even replace natural aggregate. However, research into recycled aggregate discovered the shortcomings of this material and the limiting factors to its utilisation due to its low strength. Several research studies attempt to improve the quality of recycled aggregate by either adding various additives or changing its production methods. However, the industry is still behind in the wider use of recycled aggregate using such research findings. Since recycled aggregate concrete can be used for different purposes, it is suitable for use at various construction projects, landscaping and for home improvements. When recycled aggregate is used it reduces the number of virgin aggregates, which are created thus, it means less use of natural resources.
Recycle Concrete Reduces Air Pollution and Improves Soil Stabilisation
It reduces the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere because, while crushing into smaller particles a large amount of carbon dioxide is absorbed. Aside from that it also conserves landfill space thus, reducing the need for new landfills.
Where soil stability is at issue, recycled concrete aggregate, along with lime or fly ash will definitely improve the stability of the soil. In other words, if you live in a part of the country where soil erosion is an issue, recycled concrete can be used to offset this process and strengthen the soil, especially around streams and lakes. Similarly, recycled concrete has been used in various landscape settings, including paving stones, boulder or stacked rock walls, underpass abutment structures, erosion structures, water features, retaining walls, and other uses.
To learn additional facts about the benefits of concrete recycling, consult with EcoCrush. We produce top-quality products from recycled crushed rock for use in the construction and building industries. Also, we provide a free tipping facility that is conveniently located at the back of Smart Recycling in Dandenong South. No load is too small or too large for us to handle. We believe in all of us working together to help our environment through recycling concrete.
