More recently a third type of aggregate has emerged: recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) which is produced by crushing concrete reclaimed from demolished highways, buildings and other structures.
Aging infrastructure, scarce landfill space, cost savings and environmental benefits all fuel the growing demand for concrete recycling.
Concrete from demolition sites is crushed, processed to remove metal such as reinforcing steel, and then screened to appropriate sizes. The crushed concrete is then re-used as aggregate for fill, road base or even new concrete – many of the same applications as conventional crushed stone.
There are two approaches to recycling concrete. One approach is to haul the concrete debris to a permanent recycling facility or quarry for crushing and screening. The alternative is to crush and screen the material at the demolition site. Using portable crushers on site reduces construction costs and eliminates the need to transport the material to and from a quarry or recycling facility. Transportation costs, energy use and wear and tear on roads and equipment are all reduced. The recycled aggregate is used as soon as it is processed.
Recycled concrete currently supplies about 5% of aggregate use. The bulk of recycled aggregates – about 68 % – is used as road base. The remainder is used for new concrete mixes (6%), asphalt (9 %) and fill.
Recycling concrete features both cost savings and environmental benefits:
- Reduced disposal of concrete in landfill
- Conservation of natural resources
- Reduced cost for raw materials
- Energy savings from less processing and transportation
Coarse
Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) consist of particles with sizes ranging from 3/8-inch to 1.5 inches. Typical uses include concrete coarse aggregate and construction applications.
Common Uses
• Concrete aggregate
• Drainage stone
• Stone roads and driveways
• Road base
• Backfill
Sizes and Designations
Sizes and designations vary by location due to governing agency requirements and/or application. Contact a sales representative for more information.
Base Course
Dense-graded base course refers to aggregate with a range of particle sizes – usually 1-1/2-inch and smaller - that produce a dense layer of stone with a minimum amount of voids. Primarily uses are for backfill, pavement and construction applications.
Common Uses
• Backfill
• Foundation for asphalt pavement
• Foundation for concrete pads and pavements
• Unpaved driveways, roads and shoulders
• Cement-treated base
Sizes and Designations
Sizes and designations vary by location due to governing agency requirements.
Common designations include, but are not limited to: Recycled Concrete Base, Recycled Subbase, Fill Material.