Grain Density-Based Approaches to Predict the Mechanical, Thermal and Hygric Properties of Carbon-Negative Aggregate Concretes

Abstract

The suitability of replacing mineral aggregate with carbon-negative ones mainly depends on the properties of the aggregates produced from waste recycling, reducing CO2 emissions. This study aimed to investigate the predictive approaches adapted to concrete mixtures where mineral aggregates are replaced by carbonated aggregates (at different substitution rates from 25 to 100% with aggregates of various origins). A large experimental campaign of aggregates and carbonated aggregate concretes highlighted their physical, mechanical, thermal and hygric properties and the influence of density and porosity of aggregates on these properties. Thanks to these results, predictive approaches were formulated to establish the main engineering properties: mechanical compressive strength, elasticity modulus, thermal conductivity, thermal mass capacity and hygric diffusivity. These empirical and analytical models were based on the density of aggregates. Maximum deviations of around 15% were obtained with the experimental data, highlighting the influence of grain density on carbonated aggregate concretes. These models could then be used to optimize the formulation of concrete mixtures with carbonated aggregates, replacing international standards adapted to mineral aggregates.