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
The 5 elements of seiri, seiton, seiso, seiketsu and shitsuke.
Shading for housing, a design guide
A look back at embedding a new culture of shading.
The Architectural Technology Awards
The AT Awards 2025 are open for entries!
ECA Blueprint for Electrification
The 'mosaic of interconnected challenges' and how to deliver the UK’s Transition to Clean Power.
Grenfell Tower Principal Contractor Award notice
Tower repair and maintenance contractor announced as demolition contractor.
Passivhaus social homes benefit from heat pump service
Sixteen new homes designed and built to achieve Passivhaus constructed in Dumfries & Galloway.
CABE Publishes Results of 2025 Building Control Survey
Concern over lack of understanding of how roles have changed since the introduction of the BSA 2022.
British Architectural Sculpture 1851-1951
A rich heritage of decorative and figurative sculpture. Book review.
A programme to tackle the lack of diversity.
Independent Building Control review panel
Five members of the newly established, Grenfell Tower Inquiry recommended, panel appointed.
Welsh Recharging Electrical Skills Charter progresses
ECA progressing on the ‘asks’ of the Recharging Electrical Skills Charter at the Senedd in Wales.
A brief history from 1890s to 2020s.
CIOB and CORBON combine forces
To elevate professional standards in Nigeria’s construction industry.
Amendment to the GB Energy Bill welcomed by ECA
Move prevents nationally-owned energy company from investing in solar panels produced by modern slavery.
Gregor Harvie argues that AI is state-sanctioned theft of IP.
Experimental AI housing target help for councils
Experimental AI could help councils meet housing targets by digitising records.
BSRIA Occupant Wellbeing survey BOW
Occupant satisfaction and wellbeing tool inc. physical environment, indoor facilities, functionality and accessibility.