Integrated Strengthening of Recycled Coarse Aggregates and Cementitious Matrix Optimization for Concrete and...

To promote the high-value utilization of construction and demolition waste in cementitious materials, this study proposed an integrated strengthening strategy combining recycled coarse aggregate modification with cementitious matrix optimization. Recycled coarse aggregates with particle sizes of 4.75-31.5 mm were prepared from demolished concrete waste collected in Aksu, Xinjiang, China, and treated by particle shaping, alkaline solutions, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Silica fume and a polycarboxylate superplasticizer were used to optimize the cementitious matrix. The physical properties of recycled aggregates, the mechanical performance of recycled aggregate concrete, and the mechanical and durability performance of high-content recycled aggregate cement-stabilized materials were evaluated. Particle shaping reduced water absorption and the crushing index from 6.8% and 14.4% to 5.6% and 12.6%, respectively. After treatment with 5% NaOH and 10% PVA, the apparent density increased to 2779 kg/m³, whereas water absorption and the crushing index decreased to 3.3% and 8.3%, meeting Class II recycled coarse aggregate requirements. With 10% silica fume and 0.2% superplasticizer, the 28-day compressive strength of recycled aggregate concrete prepared with the optimized aggregate and matrix reached 27.6 MPa, corresponding to 97.5% of that of natural aggregate concrete. The combined modification approach improved mechanical performance and reduced drying shrinkage, but the replacement ratio should be limited to 60% to satisfy the F50 freeze-thaw requirement under the tested conditions.