Recycling Construction and Demolition Waste Into Coarse Aggregates: A State-of-the-Art Review

Abstract Natural aggregate depletion and subsequent increase in construction and demolition waste C&D have enhanced the pressure on the construction industry to find solutions using more sustainable materials in concrete manufacturing. Recycled coarse aggregate RCA that has been derived using C&D wastes is an interesting and appealing option that has environmental and economic benefits. The current review takes a critical literature synthesis on the ability to incorporate RCA in concrete, with a specific keenness on mechanical outcomes, durability, structural performance, and environmental responsibilities. The issue of heterogeneity and inconsistency of quality that is often connected to RCA receives its share of attention, as well as the solution to overcoming this drawback. The focus is laid on life cycle assessment LCA research, which considers environmental trade-offs in terms of functional units, emissions cuts, and energy use. The review also considers the recent developments, like surface treatment, optimized mix, and supplementary matters, among others, to improve the performance of RCA. It finds weaknesses in the spheres of standardization, forecasting performance long-term, and sustainability evaluation procedures. All of this, when combined, provides a technically based, integrated approach to what role RCA plays in the sustainable development of civil infrastructure.