Recycled concrete for nonstructural applications

This chapter highlights the applications of recycled aggregates for nonstructural applications, which are a common practice of reusing and diverting construction and demolition (C&D) wastes. Recycled aggregates from old concrete or other C&D wastes for nonstructural applications are introduced in details for different types of application (e.g., sidewalk). For example, downcycling C&D wastes into crushed concrete for direct application in backfill is considered a more widely adopted application. On the other hand, further treatments of crushed C&D wastes into recycled aggregates for new concrete production, i.e., recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), can be more carbon-intensive. This chapter summarizes existing research and practices in adopting RAs for different types of nonstructural elements in building and infrastructure construction (e.g., pervious concrete). Advantages and issues encountered in adopting recycled aggregates from C&D wastes for new applications including nonstructural concrete are evaluated. Technical details are provided in adopting RCA, such as concrete mix design and how RCA may affect concrete properties. Case studies are also provided to demonstrate the real-world practices of RAs in nonstructural applications.