A low carbon treatment to enhance recycled aggregate concrete durability by continuous loading at the curing period

This study investigates the impact of continuous loading treatment during the curing period on the durability of recycled coarse aggregate concrete with a high replacement ratio. Evaluations were conducted on key parameters including compressive strength, and several durability indicators such as chloride ion permeability, freezethaw resistance, and carbonation resistance. Microscale examinations, involving air void structure, microhardness, hydration products, and microstructures, were also performed. The results demonstrate that continuous loading treatment significantly enhanced compressive strength by 4.13%-26.34%, reduced the chloride ion migration coefficient by 14.89%-38.30%, and improved freeze-thaw cycles by 20%. These performance improvements are primarily attributed to the optimized pore structure and strengthened interfacial transition zone. Additionally, this method presents a promising an eco-friendly approach for producing high-durability prefabricated concrete components.