A case study of recycled aggregate concrete from construction waste in Hanoi

Abstract

The construction sector faces a dual challenge-depletion of natural resources and the escalating burden of construction and demolition waste (CDW)-which creates an urgent need for sustainable materials and circular resource utilization. This paper presents a case study on the application of recycled aggregates (RA) sourced from CDW, developing multiple mix designs aligned with target compressive strength classes B20, B22.5, B25, B30, and B35, at RA replacement levels of 0%, 25%, 30%, 50%, 75%, and 100%. We first provide a critical synthesis of recent RA research, mapping strengths and limitations across six dimensions: (i) compressive strength performance; (ii) fresh concrete workability; (iii) scalability and field application; (iv) supplementary materials and techniques; (v) methodology and data quality; and (vi) mechanical–durability trade-offs. Building on this foundation, the mix-design scenarios covering the above replacement levels and target strength classes are evaluated under practical conditions in Hanoi to furnish a comprehensive perspective on concrete incorporating RA derived from CDW. The results indicate that RA is a strategic material capable of advancing the circular economy in construction, while also highlighting persistent gaps in long-term, in situ field performance data and the need for further, in-depth experimental investigation.