Mechanical behavior of structural concrete made with recycled aggregates from tunnel excavation

The results of an experimental study concerning the behavior of concretes made with recycled aggregates under repeated mechanical and thermal actions are presented. A comparison with the performances achieved by similar concretes made with traditional aggregates in the same working conditions eventually made it possible to estimate the actual quality and durability of the recycled concretes examined and identify possible limitations in their use. The laboratory protocol here adopted is suggested as a practical experimental procedure to test hardened concretes and prequalify their performances with respect to compressive actions and thermal solicitations.