Recycled aggregates (crushed concrete and brick masonry) have long been used in the UK and overseas construction industries. However, due to a lack of suitable specifications, there has been little basis for applying quality control. Because these materials are often through to be inferior to natural aggregates, they are mainly used in lower grade applications. Undoubtedly though, suitable-quality recycled aggregates may be used successfully in higher grade applications such as structural concrete. Recent international advances in the drafting of specifications now enables greatly improved guidance to be given in the UK and this Digest covers the use of crushed concrete and masonry, but not the recycling of bituminous-bound aggregates used in road construction.
