Effect of Cement and Admixture on the Utilization of Recycled Aggregates in Concrete

The construction industry is facing increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices due to environmental degradation, resource depletion, and waste management challenges. One promising approach is the use of recycled aggregates in concrete production, which can reduce the demand for natural resources and mitigate environmental impacts. However, the performance of concrete made with recycled aggregates can be affected by the type of cement and admixture used. This study examines the impact of cement and admixture on the utilization of recycled aggregates in concrete production, with a focus on optimizing performance and minimizing environmental impacts. The research involves a comprehensive experimental program, including workability tests and compressive strength tests. The results show that the addition of admixture, particularly PVA, improves the compressive strength of concrete made with recycled aggregates, with a maximum strength of 20.01 N/mm² at 28 days curing age. The compressive strength of natural aggregates was the highest, with a maximum strength of 25.27 N/mm² at 28 days curing age. Workability tests indicate that the concrete mixes are workable, with a slight reduction in workability when using recycled aggregates.The findings of this research can contribute to the development of sustainable concrete mixtures and inform industry practices. Keywords: recycled aggregates, cement, admixture, sustainable construction, environmental impact, compressive strength, workability