Recycled concrete aggregate RCA
Contents |
[edit] Introduction
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA also known as recycled crushed aggregate) can be made using waste from quarries and other substances, but researchers have also developed a technique that combines building material waste with used tyres to produce an innovative form of RCA that can be used to construct roads.
[edit] Construction waste
Construction activities can generate large amounts of waste materials that then need to be disposed of. In addition, at the end of a building's life, it may be deconstructed or demolished, generating significant amounts of waste. Increasingly, there are options available in terms of reusing and recycling materials, but despite this, a large amount of construction waste is still disposed of in landfills. According to data from Technology Strategy Board (now known as Innovate UK), 32% of landfill waste comes from the construction and demolition of buildings. Globally that estimate is even higher.
[edit] Rubber
Estimates suggest there are nearly one billion scrap tyres generated per year as of 2020. Rubber from tyres is can be recycled, for example to make flooring. Rubber is highly elastic and durable and is corrosion resistant. It remains flexible in a wide range of temperatures, is water resistant, an electrical and thermal insulator, and is able to absorb movement and vibration.
[edit] Waste and rubber
In 2020, researchers at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) in Melbourne, Australia announced they had developed a material from a combination of these substances that would be suitable and safe for use as a base layer under flexible roads that consist of materials applied in layers. These layers generally include a subgrade, base, subbase and top.
While construction waste material can be used on its own, the addition of waste rubber has delivered promising test results. Lab testing has found the combination of 0.5 percent fine crumb rubber to 99.5 percent RCA to be the most promising in terms of cohesion and strength. The material - which exhibits promising deformation and dynamic properties - has also been tested for stress, shear behaviour, acid and water resistance and durability necessary for road traffic.
Plastic waste has also been suggested as a suitable substance for new roads and repairs.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
Infrastructure that connect the physical and digital domains.
Harnessing robotics and AI in challenging environments
The key to nuclear decommissioning and fusion engineering.
BSRIA announces Lisa Ashworth as new CEO
Tasked with furthering BSRIA’s impressive growth ambitions.
Public buildings get half a million energy efficiency boost
£557 million to switch to cleaner heating and save on energy.
CIOB launches pre-election manifesto
Outlining potential future policies for the next government.
Grenfell Tower Inquiry announcement
Phase 2 hearings come to a close and the final report due in September.
Progress from Parts L, F and O: A whitepaper, one year on.
A replicated study to understand the opinion of practitioners.
ECA announces new president 2024
Electrical engineer and business leader Stuart Smith.
A distinct type of countryside that should be celebrated.
Should Part O be extended to existing buildings?
EAC brands heatwave adaptation a missed opportunity.
Definition of Statutory in workplace and facilities management
Established by IWFM, BESA, CIBSE and BSRIA.
Tackling the transition from traditional heating systems
59% lack the necessary information and confidence to switch.
The general election and the construction industry
As PM, Rishi Sunak announces July 4 date for an election.
Eco apprenticeships continue help grow green workforce
A year after being recognised at the King's coronation.
Permitted development rights for agricultural buildings
The changes coming into effect as of May 21, 2024.