Experimental Investigation on Compressive Properties and Carbon Emission Assessment of Concrete Hollow Block Masonry Incorporating Recycled Concrete Aggregates

Featured Application The compressive properties and carbon emission assessment of recycled aggregate concrete hollow block masonry were analyzed. The formula for calculating the compressive strength of hollow block masonry was presented. The global warming potential between natural and recycled aggregate concrete hollow blocks was compared. This study will contribute to the popularization and application of recycled aggregate concrete hollow block masonry. Abstract In this paper, the compressive strength experiment for three groups of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) specimens with different replacement ratios of recycled aggregate (0%, 50%, 100%) was carried out. The mechanism of the block and mortar properties on the compressive strength of block masonry was investigated by means of a static loading test. The formula for calculating the compressive strength of a recycled concrete block was obtained based on experimental data. Moreover, the global warming potential (GWP) of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) block masonry was evaluated by life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The feasibility for application of RAC block masonry was discussed combined with environmental impact data analysis. The results show that the strength of RAC blocks is the principal element affecting the compressive strength of block masonry, and the strength of mortar also has a certain impact for the compressive of RAC block masonry; the sub-coefficient of material performance should be enhancive appropriately for ensuring the construction quality of RAC block masonry; the total GWP of RAC block is lower than that of natural aggregate concrete (NAC) block. The environmental benefits of the promotion and application of RAC block masonry are inspiring.