EXPERIMENTAL EVALUATION OF PARTIAL AGGREGATE REPLACEMENT WITH RECYCLED CONCRETE IN PEDESTRIAN PAVERS

Abstract

Inadequate management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) represents a significant environmental challenge in countries where its reuse remains limited. In this context, the present study experimentally evaluates the influence of partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregates with recycled concrete obtained from rigid pavement demolition on the compressive strength of pedestrian pavers designed for f’c = 320 kg/cm2. An applied quantitative experimental design was implemented, considering a total sample of 72 specimens distributed across four replacement levels: 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%. Compressive strength tests were conducted in accordance with current standards, and statistical analysis included both descriptive and inferential methods (ANOVA and Tukey tests) to determine significant differences among treatments. The results showed average compressive strengths of 409.73 kg/cm2 (0%), 404.45 kg/cm2 (5%), 401.85 kg/cm2 (10%), and 397.14 kg/cm2 (15%), with all values remaining above the required design strength. Statistical analysis confirmed that replacement levels up to 15% do not produce critical reductions in mechanical performance. It is concluded that incorporating recycled concrete in Type I pedestrian pavers constitutes a technically viable alternative consistent with NTP 399.611 requirements, contributing to the sustainable valorization of CDW.