Recycled Concrete
What is Recycled Concrete?
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) – also known as “crushed concrete” – is made of copper debris from other construction projects, which can be recycled to create driveways, paths, garden beds, and more.
When any concrete structure, road, sidewalk, or parking lot is destroyed, that concrete is often deposited in a landslide.
Concrete is not biodegradable and, unfortunately, does not rot. Instead, it takes up space and causes environmental problems. At the same time, new concrete is being created to begin the process again.
There is a solution to this wasteful, costly cycle.
Recycling crushed concrete for recycling can help reduce landslide crowding and save more resources from being used to create new concrete.
Old concrete can be crushed to specific sizes, cleaned to remove unwanted debris from the mix, and reused as a solution to a number of construction and landscaping problems.
US history of the use of crushed concrete in road and driveway construction.
Since the 1940s, the recycling of concrete pavement (crushed concrete) has been a fairly common solution. The first instance was in the US after World War II. In Illinois, US Route 66 is required to extend from two to four lanes. During this reconstruction work, old concrete was reused and used in a new project.
Then, in the 1970s, there was great pressure to reduce the amount of landslide overdose. Crushed concrete is the most popular material choice for both roadways and drywall construction. Crushed concrete grew in popularity in the 1980s along with recycling efforts.
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What kind of concrete can be recycled into RCA?
Concrete can be recycled into RCA from a variety of applications such as old concrete structures, sidewalks, building slabs, foundations, curbs, and more.
How is concrete recycling?
The first step in recycling old concrete is to use industrial crushing equipment to break down the original structure. Next, the broken concrete is driven by a secondary impact.
After being crushed to an even smaller size, crushed concrete is then displayed so that dirt and other foreign materials can be removed. After this step, the concrete is separated by size.
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Another method of recycling concrete is crushing. Grinding of concrete is not the best way to recycle concrete. This makes the separation of contaminants more difficult, reducing the quality of the prepared RCA.
Recycling concrete aggregate
When recycling concrete, it can be broken down into different sizes. Each of these sizes is suited to different applications, making the material incredibly versatile.
Larger pieces of RCA, for example, can be used to create a “rip-rap”. Rip-rap, sometimes called riprap, shot rock, rock armor, or rubble, is a large slab of recycled concrete used along the shoreline to control erosion or from the breakwater.
Small gravel bits of RCA is commonly used as a sustainable, affordable subbase for roads. Dry aggregates can be reconstructed as new concrete.
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What kind of projects can be done with recycled concrete?
Anchor for asphalt parking lots and roads. The small-sized RCA asphalt serves as a consistent, reliable basis for parking spaces. Sidewalks/lanes Crushed concrete for the route Crushed concrete can be recycled to create walkways in your landscape.
Make sure you use uniform RCA pieces for your walkway. This will help prevent rainwater runoff and drainage problems. Uniform pieces make the finished walkway more visually appealing.
Crushed concrete for bedding
Creating a raised garden bed offers a lot of benefits. Some of these include improved drainage and warm soil, both of which will help your garden grow faster when spring arrives. To create a raised garden bed, lay the crushed concrete in layers. It forms the perfect base.
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Rip rip the crushed concrete
Larger pieces of RCA are perfect for creating retaining walls or rip-wrap to help control erosion or create breakwater. Powdered concrete of various sizes works together to prevent corrosion.
A layer of smaller, more cracked crushed concrete contributes to the stability of the wall as a base. Follow large recycled concrete layers filled with dirt, creating an equal, beautiful retaining wall.
Split concrete for drainage
It is a good drainage alternative to smaller, more broken concrete gravel. Here we will tell you how to install a French drain in your landscaping.
Where can I buy an RCA?
Superior Ground Cover offers a variety of RCA sizes, perfect for any project you want to complete. Our expert team can help you decide how much material you need, what type, and even when to install it.
Consulting professionals can help you choose the right material so that you can avoid certain problems that arise when you choose the wrong size of crushed concrete. Some of these problems include erosion and drainage problems.
Another option for buying an RCA near you is how to find a local concrete recycling plant.