Applying the Multi-level Assessment to Recycled Concrete Affected by ASR

Recycling construction and demolished waste is an effective way to reduce concrete production's environmental impact. However, the presence of past deterioration is always a concern when using recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). To understand the effect of pre-existing damage in each component (original aggregate vs residual mortar) and secondary ASR-induced damage, recycled concrete specimens are manufactured in the laboratory incorporating RCA displaying distinct ASR past deteriorations using two types of reactive aggregates (i.e., reactive coarse and reactive sand). Two levels of secondary expansion were selected for analysis (0.05% and 0.30%). Later the specimens were mechanically tested for compressive strength, direct shear strength and stiffness damage test (SDT). The results showed that the source and extent of initial damage impact the mechanical properties loss of recycled concrete. Additionally, the results were combined with the microscopic assessment, the damage rating index (DRI), of the specimens for each secondary expansion level. The results indicate that crack propagation due to ASR origin influences the mechanical responses.