The effect of freeze-thaw on the performance of recycled concrete pavement

Abstract

Freeze-thaw damage is one of the most serious issues that can affect pavement made of recycled concrete in cold places. The recycled concrete pavement freeze-thaw deterioration mechanism still needs to be fully understood. In this study, a number of different experimental investigations were conducted. on several concrete specimens that contained differing percentages of RCA replacements by volume (0%, 30%, 50%, 70%, and 100%, respectively). Several freeze-thaw cycles have been exposed to the concrete specimens. In order to assess the performance of the casted specimens, the mass loss, relative dynamic modulus of elasticity (RDME), and length change were estimated. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of recycled coarse aggregate significantly affects the performance of the specimens. Flexural strength tests have been used to evaluate the degree to which the specimens' mechanical properties have deteriorated. After being subjected to several freeze-thaw cycles. For all mixtures, the 28-day flexural strength values were calculated. The test result shows the flexural strength value of the specimens was inversely proportional to the replacement of RA. The flexural strengths of the specimens dropped as the number of RA increased. Furthermore, the specimens with more RA replacement have a greater drop in flexural strengths. Moreover, an analysis of the freeze-thaw cycle's process and its damage mechanism was revealed.