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Structural Engineering and Mechanics Volume 97, Number 5, March10 2026 , pages 621-641 DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/sem.2026.97.5.621 |
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 open accessDurability assessment of self-compacting concrete with recycled aggregates under water exposure conditions |
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Víctor Baladrón-Blanco, Rebeca Martínez-García, Daniel Merino-Maldonado, Andrea Antolín-Rodríguez, Andrés Juan-Valdés
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| Abstract | ||
| The growing urgency to reduce emissions and raw material consumption has made circular economy (CE) models increasingly relevant in the construction industry. In this context, concrete incorporating recycled aggregates (RAC) from construction and demolition waste (C&DW) represents a promising approach. However, uncertainties persist regarding the durability of such materials. This study evaluates the water-related durability of self-compacting concrete (SCC) with varying levels of recycled aggregate substitution (0%, 50%, and 100%), enhanced with superplasticisers (SP). Four key durability tests were conducted: freeze-thaw cycles, capillary absorption, total water absorption, and water penetration under pressure. Results indicate that while freeze-thaw performance is limited by surface porosity, the presence of SP improves resistance to internal water-related degradation mechanisms. The RAC-SCC mixes exhibited comparable or even superior performance to conventional natural aggregate concretes (NAC) in terms of impermeability and water absorption. These findings confirm the viability of RAC-SCC for structural applications, contributing to sustainable construction and the implementation of CE principles. | ||
| Key Words | ||
| atmospheric agents; circular economy; concrete; construction waste; durability; recycled aggregates; self-compacting concrete; superplasticizer; testing; water | ||
| Address | ||
| Víctor Baladrón-Blanco, Rebeca Martínez-García: Department of Mining Technology, Topography, and Structures, University of León, Campus of Vegazana s/n, 24071 León, Spain Daniel Merino-Maldonado, Andrea Antolín-Rodríguez, Andrés Juan-Valdés: Department of Agricultural Engineering and Sciences, University of León, Avenida de Portugal 41, 24009 León, Spain | ||