concrete recy for sale

Concrete Recycling for Sale: An Overview of Processed Materials and Applications

This article provides a comprehensive overview of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) available for purchase. It details the production process, key specifications, and primary applications of this sustainable construction material. We will compare its properties with virgin aggregate, address common questions through an FAQ section, and present a real-world case study demonstrating its effective use in a major infrastructure project.

Recycled concrete aggregate is produced by crushing demolished concrete structures such as slabs, sidewalks, curbs, and building foundations. This material is processed through specialized equipment to remove contaminants like rebar, asphalt, and debris. The resulting product is screened into various sizes, from fine powder to large coarse aggregate, making it suitable for multiple construction uses. Common gradations for sale include RCA for base/sub-base applications and RCA for use as a partial replacement for virgin aggregate in new concrete mixes.

The primary markets for RCA are road construction, site preparation, and utility projects. Its primary advantages are cost savings—often 10-30% less than virgin material—and significant environmental benefits from reducing landfill waste and the need for quarrying.

Comparison: Recycled Concrete Aggregate vs. Virgin Aggregate

The following table outlines the typical differences between high-quality processed RCA and natural virgin aggregate (like limestone or granite).

Property	Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA)	Virgin Aggregate
Source	Crushed demolition concrete	Quarried or mined natural rock
Cost	Generally 10-30% lower	Market price for quarried material
Density	Slightly lower (can be 10-15% less) due to adhered mortar	Higher and more consistent
Absorption	Higher water absorption due to porous mortar content	Lower absorption
Strength	Suitable for many applications; may have slightly lower compressive strength in structural concrete	Consistent high strength
Applications	Road base/sub-base, pipe bedding, fill material, drainage projects, non-structural concrete	All applications including structural concrete, asphalt, drainage
Environmental Impact	High - reduces landfill waste & quarrying demand	Lower - requires quarrying & transportation

Real-World Case Study: The Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport Expansion

A prominent example of large-scale RCA use is the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) expansion projects in Texas. Facing the need to reconstruct miles of taxiways and service roads while managing costs and sustainability goals, the airport authority approved the use of RCA as base material.

• Project Scope: Over 200,000 tons of old concrete pavement from decommissioned runways and aprons was crushed on-site.
• Process: The crushed material was processed to meet strict TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) specifications for flexible base (Item 247).
• Implementation: This processed RCA was used as the stabilized base layer for new taxiway construction.
• Outcome: The project achieved substantial cost savings on material procurement and hauling. It also dramatically reduced landfill fees and the environmental footprint associated with importing new aggregate. Performance monitoring confirmed that the RCA base provided equivalent structural support to virgin materials.

This case demonstrates that with proper processing and specification adherence, RCA is a viable and high-performance material for demanding infrastructure.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Is recycled concrete as strong as new concrete?
For structural applications requiring high-strength concrete (e.g., building columns), RCA is typically used as a partial replacement for virgin aggregate under strict mix design guidelines. However, for non-structural uses like road base, pipe bedding, or fill, properly processed RCA performs equivalently or better than virgin materials due to its excellent compaction and locking properties.

Q2: Does using recycled concrete save money?
Yes, savings are realized in several areas: lower initial material cost per ton; reduced disposal costs for demolition contractors; potential savings on transportation if processed locally. The total savings depend on local market prices for virgin aggregate and landfill tipping fees.

Q3: Are there any environmental concerns with using recycled concrete?
Properly processed RCA from clean demolition sources poses minimal environmental risk. Reputable suppliers test their product to ensure it is free from harmful contaminants. Its use reduces landfill burdens, conserves natural resources by decreasing quarrying demand.

Q4: What specifications should I look for when purchasing RCA?
Always request a Certificate of Analysis or test results from the supplier confirming compliance with relevant standards such as ASTM C33 / C33M-18 (for coarse aggregate), ASTM D2940/D2940M (for base courses), or your local Department of Transportation specifications like Caltrans Class 2 or TxDOT Item 247.

Q5: Can I use recycled concrete myself for a driveway or patio sub-base?
Yes. For residential projects like driveway sub-base or backfill utility trenches is an excellent application. Ensure you purchase "clean" crushed concrete without excessive dirt or debris. It should be compacted in layers similar to gravel or crushed stone sub-base materials