Study on the use of RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) as recycled aggregate for structural concrete – industrial scale-up

One of the possible strategies to promote the circular economy in the construction sector is to replace natural aggregates in concrete with artificial and/or recycled ones, decreasing depletion of natural resources and re-utilizing waste materials. This study belongs to a wide research project (RAPCON project, https://rapcon.chem.polimi.it/) aimed at investigating the use of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as aggregate for structural concrete, by evaluating the performances from a mechanical, durability and environmental point of view. Within the project framework, mainly focused on laboratory concretes and tests, an industrial scale-up was also investigated to validate experimental results: two concretes with comparable mix design, one with natural aggregates only and one with 40% replacement with RAP aggregate, were mixed and cast in a concrete industrial plant. Concrete specimens were then subjected to laboratory tests, such as compressive and tensile strength, sorptivity and water absorption, resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and chloride penetration.