More and more construction companies are being judged for their efforts to be ecologically friendly. However, it can be difficult to do this when your base product is non-biodegradable. Luckily, enterprising professionals have created a way to contribute to environmental causes by implementing recycled crushed concrete.
When concrete waste is recycled, old concrete is crushed and used as aggregate in new concrete, or it can be used for other construction purposes. This process not only reduces the amount of concrete waste in landfills but also conserves resources and reduces pollution.
What is Recycled Concrete Aggregate?
Recycled concrete aggregate comprises asphalt debris from other construction projects that can be reused to create driveways, pathways, garden beds and more.
Each year, an incredible amount of concrete is produced and subsequently destroyed. This has a negative impact on the environment, as concrete is not biodegradable and takes up space in landfills. While new concrete is continuously being created, the cycle of destruction and pollution continues.
Recycling means taking used materials and turning them into new products. Recycling crushed concrete is a way to reduce landfill crowding and save resources. By crushing concrete into specific sizes, cleaning it to remove unwanted debris, and reusing it, we can help reduce environmental problems caused by construction and landscaping.
What Kinds of Concrete Can Be Recycled?
Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) is produced by crushing concrete retrieved from demolitions and other construction projects, such as old concrete structures, building slabs, sidewalks, foundations, and curbs. This concrete is then screened to sort out any foreign materials and large pieces, then placed into a crusher where it is crushed into smaller pieces. RCA is a cheaper and more eco-friendly alternative to other aggregate options.
Most types of concrete can be recycled, including:
- Asphalt concrete
- Crushed concrete
- Pavement
- Brick
- Concrete block
- Gravel
How Much Concrete Can Be Recycled?
The amount of concrete that can be recycled depends on the type of concrete and the end use. For example, if the concrete is being used for aggregate in new concrete, the amount of recycled concrete that can be used is limited by the strength and durability of the finished product. However, if the concrete is being used for fill or road base, the amount of recycled concrete that can be used is much higher.
There are many benefits to recycling concrete. Recycling concrete reduces the need for virgin materials, reducing concrete production’s environmental impact. Recycling also saves energy and money.
How Is Recycled Concrete Aggregate Repurposed?
Concrete recycling is the process of breaking down concrete into smaller pieces that can be reused in a variety of ways. This process is not only environmentally-friendly but also provides various benefits in terms of cost and versatility. RCA can be used to create rip-rap, which is large slabs of recycled concrete used to control erosion or form a breakwater. Smaller gravel bits of RCA can be used as a subbase for roads. Dry aggregate can be reconstituted as new concrete.
The first step in recycling concrete is to break it down into smaller pieces. This can be done using various methods, such as hydraulic breakers or concrete saws. Once the concrete has been broken down into smaller pieces, it can be transported to a recycling facility.
The concrete will be crushed and sorted into different grades at the recycling facility. The most common grades of recycled concrete are known as Class 5 and Class 6. Class 5 concrete is often used as a base material for roads, while Class 6 concrete can be used to create rip-rap or as a subbase for roads.
Once the concrete has been sorted into different grades, it can be reconstituted as new concrete. This process involves mixing recycled concrete with water and aggregate, such as sand or gravel. The new concrete can then be used for a variety of applications, including paving, foundations, and walls.
5 Projects That Use Crushed Concrete
Here are five of the most common building structures that use RCA:
Walkways / Pathways
Crushed concrete is a popular material for many home and garden projects. It can be used to create a pathway, patio, or garden border. Crushed concrete is also a great material for drainage projects. It is important to use pieces of crushed concrete that are all the same size, so that water will not pool and cause drainage problems. A path made of uniform pieces of crushed concrete will also look more attractive.
Asphalt Car Parks and Roads Base
In many cases, crushed concrete can be used as a base for asphalt parking lots and roads. The material is stable and reliable, making it an ideal choice for eco-friendly or green construction projects.
Walls/Rip-Rap
Different sizes of crushed concrete can be used together to help prevent erosion. A layer of smaller, more broken-up crushed concrete as a base will contribute to the wall’s stability. Following with layers of larger recycled concrete packed with dirt will create an even, beautiful retaining wall.
Raised Garden Beds/Landscaping
A raised garden bed can be a great addition to your home. Many benefits come along with having a raised garden bed, such as improved drainage and warmer soil. These factors can lead to faster growth for your garden when spring arrives. If you want to create a raised garden bed, one option is to lay crushed concrete in layers. This can form a great base for your garden bed.
Broken Up Concrete for Drainage
Smaller chunks of concrete are a great way to improve drainage, especially compared to gravel. Adding concrete chunks to the surface can help direct water away from your home and into areas where it can drain more easily. This can help protect your home from flooding and water damage.
Conclusion
Recycled or crushed concrete can be a useful material for building structures. It is strong and durable and can be used in various applications. It is also environmentally friendly, as it can be recycled and reused.
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