Determining the water absorption of recycled aggregates utilizing hydrostatic weighing approach

A. Djerbi Tegguer
Construction and Building Materials. 27.1 (Feb. 2012): p112.
DOI: http://dx.doi-org.ez27.periodicos.capes.gov.br/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.08.018
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2012 Reed Business Information, Inc. (US)
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ABSTRACT

The water absorption of aggregates is a key parameter in concrete mix design. As the adhered mortar of recycled
aggregates present a long time of saturation (>24 h). A new approach of water absorption measurement was
developed using hydrostatic weighing in order to observe the kinetic absorption of aggregates, and to obtain a
necessary water quantity added in different steps in concrete mix. Experimental results indicate that the model of
capillarity processes of aggregates can be obtained using Hall's model. A good correlation was obtained between the
current method NF EN 1097-6 and hydrostatic weighing approach. A necessary time for the total saturation of
recycled aggregates was evaluated.

Keywords:

Recycled aggregates

Concrete waste

Adhered mortar

Water absorption

1. Introduction

The environmental aspects involved in the production and use of cement, concrete and other building materials are
of growing importance. Substitution of waste materials will conserve natural resources and will avoid the
environmental and ecological damages caused by quarrying and exploitation of the raw materials for making
concrete. The use of recycled aggregates near the work-site appears to be profitable when natural aggregates are
transported over high distances. In France, the recycled aggregates made from such waste is between (10-15%) of
the production of natural aggregates. The recycled aggregates obtained from crushed concrete are different from
natural aggregates in that they composed by adhered mortar and original aggregates. Due to the adhered mortar in
original aggregates mechanical and physical properties of recycled aggregates are worse than those of natural
aggregates. The main properties unfavourably affected by the attached mortar content are density, absorption,
porosity and Los Angeles abrasion, and correlations between them and attached mortar content was obtained [1].

Prior to the utilization of recycled aggregates in concrete production, the density and absorption capacity of recycled
aggregates must be known. The NF EN 1097-6 European standard [2] is used to determine them. Tam et al. [3]
develop a new approach for testing the water absorption of recycled aggregates named real-time assessment of
water absorption, which provide values of water absorption at different time intervals. Due to the high water
absorption capacity of recycled aggregates, the influence of the moisture states of the recycled aggregates on
properties of fresh and hardened concrete prepared with recycled aggregates has received some research interest
[4,5]. If the recycled aggregates are used in semi saturated condition the new interface zone can be effective,
producing better properties, and prevention to freezing and thawing [5]. The advantage of the use the saturated
recycled aggregate in concrete is to reduce the autogenous shrinkage [6,7]. The incorporation of saturated
aggregates into the mix acts as an internal water reservoir preventing reduction of relative humidity [8,9].

It has been shown in other studies [10-12], that water is added with different quantities for several steps in the
concrete mix of recycled aggregates, in order to improve the microstructure of interracial transition zone and
properties of concrete, however the initial quantity of water added into the dry aggregates was evaluated
approximately. The objective of this new approach is to evaluate the water absorption versus time in order to obtain a
necessary water quantity added in different steps in concrete mix. The following test allows to quantify the kinetic of
absorption of recycled aggregates, and to assess the necessary time for the total saturation of aggregates. The
detailed testing procedure of the new method is illustrated with examples. Correlation between this new approach
and current method have been obtained and discussed.

2. Water absorption

Since the materials of aggregates always contain more or less pores inside, partially all dry particles are capable of
absorbing water. According to the NF EN 1097-6 European standard [2], both this process and the amount of this
water are called absorption. The amount of the absorbed water depends primarily on the abundance and continuity
of the pores in the particle, whereas the rate of absorption depends on the size and continuity of theses pores;
secondary factors, such as the particle size, may also have an effect. Absorption capacity is the maximum amount of
water the aggregates can absorb under the prevailing circumstances. As regards moisture content, the various
states in which an aggregates may exist are presented in Fig. 1. In a concrete mix, if the aggregates are not fully
saturated, some of the mixing water is absorbed; on the other hand, free moisture on the surfaces of the aggregate
particles becomes a part of the mixing water. Hence in computations of the net or effective water/cement ratio, and in
calculation relating to proportions of mixes by weight, the saturated surface-dry condition is used as the basis.
According to the NF EN 1097-6 European standard, principally, the test consists of two major steps: saturating the
aggregates followed by drying. First, the aggregates are immersed in water during 24 h. Then, the surface water of
aggregate needs to be removed by a towel until the appearance of the surface looks damp in order to obtain the
mass of aggregates in a saturated surface-dried condition (Mass [M.sub.a]). Afterwards, the aggregates are dried in
ventilated oven at a temperature of 110 [+ or -] 5[degrees]C until the difference in mass during 24 h is less than
0.1%, the mass of sample aggregates obtained is the mass of oven-dry aggregates sample in air is called (Mass
[M.sub.s]). The following equation gives the water absorption.

100 [M.sub.a] - [M.sub.s] / [M.sub.s] (1)

The performed tests have shown the evaluations of saturated surface dry of recycled aggregates with cloth present
an inconvenient: After recycled aggregate soaking, it is difficult to eliminate exactly the free water around the
recycled aggregates (see Fig. 1e) because the recycled aggregates have an irregular shape and this procedure may
be detach some cement paste and sand of attached mortar. A new methodology is developed without use the cloth
drying procedure. This methodology allows to assess the variation of the water absorption coefficient over time.

3. Research methodology and experimental procedure

To study the kinetics of absorption of natural and recycled aggregates a new test was developed in laboratory
(LCPC). This test consists to observe the rate of penetration of the capillary rise of aggregates with time. The water
absorption is measured by gravimetry. It consists of measuring, by hydrostatic weighing, the mass variations of a
sample immersed in a thermo regulated bath. The aggregates sample was dried in an oven at a temperature of 110
[+ or -] 5[degrees]C until the difference in mass is less than 0.1%. After drying the sample is placed in perforated
plate basket (stainless steel density basket for hydro-static weighing. Height: 180 mm: diameter 200 mm and Mesh
perforated: 3 mm), the basket is hung to the balance with a non elastic wire; the device is tested using an inert mass.
First, the mass of the system is continuously recorded, and the recorded value is the mass nf oven-dry aggregates
sample in air M, with balance accuracy of 0.01 g. Then, the thermostated bath moves vertically using a removable
tray in order to immerse the sample in the distilled water bath at 20[degrees]C (see Fig. 2); On assuming that the first
value recorded after soaking is the mass of oven-dry aggregates sample in water called [M.sub.ws] (g).

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

Due to the capillary effect, the water absorption was calculated according the following equation:

100 [M.sub.wa] - [M.sub.ws] / [M.sub.s] (2)

where [M.sub.wa] is the mass of saturated aggregates sample in water (g).

The difference between these two methods is the evaluation of the mass of water absorbed by aggregates. In the
current method NF EN 1097-6 European standard this mass was obtained by the difference between the mass of
saturation surface dry of aggregates and the oven-dried mass of aggregates in air. While this new approach propose
to obtain the mass of water absorbed by aggregates in water using hydrostatic weighing.

4. Sample preparation

The materials that were considered for this research were typical of natural and recycled aggregates. Two types of
natural aggregates from two fractions 4-12.5 mm and 12.5-20 mm were used, limestone aggregates (LA) and
limestone-siliceous aggregates (LSA).

The recycled aggregates (RA) employed to produce the concrete were taken from a waste recycling area in France.
They were obtained by crushing unknown waste concrete by use of an impact crusher; the samples were graded at
the laboratory selecting 5/20 mm fraction prior testing, and were divided into two new fractions, 5/12 mm and 12/20
mm, in order to establish aggregate size influence on water absorption. The hydrostatic weighing samples were dried
in an oven to constant mass at a temperature 110 [+ or -] 5[degrees]C.

After water absorption test, the attached mortar content of recycled aggregated samples was evaluated by treatment
with a solution of hydrochloric acid. This method consists on the dissolution of the cement paste attached to stone
particles when recycled aggregate is immerses in a solution of hydrochloric acid [13].

5. Results and discussion

5.1. Evaluation of water absorption by hydrostatic weighing

The evaluation of water absorption by hydrostatic weighing is shown in Fig. 3. The average of three tests of each
sample of aggregate was conducted. After 24 h of aggregates immersion (see Fig. 2). The water absorption of
aggregates increase and the variation was different between the aggregates type. Results indicate that the water
absorption depends on the nature and the size of aggregates. For the same size of natural aggregates with 4-
12.5mm fraction and 12.5-20mm, the water absorption of limestone aggregates (LA) is lower than siliceous
aggregates (ESA) (Fig. 3a). This can be explaining by the difference of porosity, the porosity of limestone-siliceous
aggregates (ESA) is 1.92% however for limestone aggregates (LA) is 0.64%.

The water absorption of natural aggregate decrease with the increase of aggregates size. The water absorption for
natural aggregates (LA and ESA) with 4-12.5mm fraction is higher than aggregates with 12.5-20 mm fraction. This
can be explained by crushing effect of aggregates, which can increase pore connectivity, create cracks and
generates a water absorption increase coefficient.

The water absorption of recycled aggregates and the time saturated period of recycled aggregates with 5-12 mm
fraction are higher than 12-20 mm fraction (Fig. 3b). This is due to the amount of adhered mortar which is higher for
small fraction than to coarse fraction. The small fraction 5/12 mm had 45% of mortar content, while 24% was
obtained in coarse fraction 12/20 mm.

[FIGURE 2 OMITTED]

[FIGURE 3 OMITTED]

The water absorption value increased with increase in time but it tended to become constant after a certain time,
before 24 h of soaking is obtained for natural aggregates (LA) and (ISA), while 110 h and 85 h of soaking is required
for recycled aggregates 5/12 mm and 12/ 20 mm fraction respectively. For same granular fraction, water absorption
of recycled aggregates is higher than natural aggregates; because the presence of adhered mortar creates more and
longer capillaries, and consequently increases water absorption.

5.2. The kinetic absorption of aggregates

The comparison of the rate absorption of aggregates is presented in Fig. 4. The Results indicate that all aggregates
tested showed a similar behavior in terms nf rate absorption. A rapid variation of the rate of absorption dm/dt was
obtained at the first minutes of aggregate immersion in water, due probably to the gaseous release in pore of
aggregates and the filling of the biggest pores. After that dm/dt decrease with time and present the filling of the small
and finest capillaries. However if the saturation is complete the rate absorption and the water absorption almost
constant in the last part of the curve.

[FIGURE 4 OMITTED]

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of the increase of water absorption in the aggregates sample, with elapsed
square root of time. Two basic parameters are considered in the water absorption of porous material. The mass of
water which required to saturate the porous material and the rate of penetration of the capillary rise. Since the filling
of capillary channels and voids and advancing of water occur almost side-by-side during absorption, a combined
effect only can be measured, which will give a capillary effect. Wirquin et al. [14] suggests two models for
determining capillary absorption in concrete mixes made with recycled aggregates. The first introduced by Hall [15],
suggest that capillary absorption is best modelled using Eq. (3):

W = A + S[square root of t] - C x t (3)

where W is amount of water absorbed, t the time, S the material's sorptivity, and A and C are constants.

The second model, based on Schonlin's work [16], suggests that capillary absorption should be modelled using Eq.
(4):

W = [W.sub.1] [t.sup.n] (4)

where W and [t.bar] are defined as above, [W.sub.1] is the amount of water absorption after 1 h and n is a constant.

[FIGURE 5 OMITTED]

Using Hall's model Eq. (3), it was possible to define the capillary absorption of each aggregates type and determine
their sorptivities. The results are summarized in Table 1, clearly showing the good correlation achieved. The sorptivity
is higher in recycled aggregates, because the presence of adhered mortar creates more and longer capillaries as a
consequence of its own porosity, which increases capillary stress.

5.3. NF EN 1097-6 versus water absorption by hydrostatic weighing

The water absorption coefficient of natural and recycled aggregates was evaluated by current method NF EN 1097-6
European standard for 24 h of aggregates immersion. Also this coefficient was evaluates after 85 h and 110 h of
soaking for recycled aggregates with 12.5-20 mm fraction and 5-12.5 mm fraction respectively. The results were
reported in Fig. 6, the linear relationship plot for water absorption coefficient between the hydrostatic weighing
approach and the NF EN 1097-6 European standard has [R.sup.2] of 0.987. The water absorption standard values
are slightly higher than hydrostatic weighing approach; the elimination of adsorbed water using the cloth is less
accurate for aggregates with small size which can increase the exchange surface with water, and for aggregates with
irregular shape such as recycled aggregates. The water absorption coefficient of recycled aggregates for 24 h of
soaking produces about 60% and 70% of the total water absorption for 12.5-20 mm fraction and 5-12.5 mm fraction
respectively.

[FIGURE 6 OMITTED]

6. Conclusion

The main conclusions of the present study are:

* A new approach of water absorption measurements for recycled aggregates can be used to assessing the
evolution of the water absorption. A simple analysis of the water absorption for aggregates has been presented. The
results conform very closely to the time dependence over the whole period of absorption and change to become
constant when the saturation is complete. A long time of saturation for recycled aggregates was obtained (>24 h).
These results confirm that the standard method 24 h stipulated in European standard NF EN 1097-6 is not suitable
of water absorption measurements for recycled aggregates. The water absorption coefficient of recycled aggregates
for 24 h of soaking produces about 60% and 70% of the total water absorption obtained after 85 h and 110 h of
soaking for 12.5-20 mm fraction and 5-12.5 mm fraction respectively.

* The model of capillarity processes of aggregates can be obtained using Hall's model. A good correlation was
obtained for recycled aggregates.

* This new approach allows the engineers to determine the duration of test and improves the evaluation's precision
of water absorption measurements for aggregates. It is necessary to take the optimal value of the water absorption in
concrete mix. A good correlation was obtained between NF EN 1097-6 and hydrostatic weighing approach.

ARTICLE INFO

Article history:

Received 9 November 2010

Received in revised form 3 August 2011

Accepted 4 August 2011

Available online 25 September 2011

References

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A. Djerbi Tegguer *

Materials Deportment, Microstructure, Durability and Modelling Group-MDM, Laboratoire Central des Ponts et
Chaussees. 58 Bd Lefebvre. F-75732 Paris Cedex 15, France

* Tel.: +33 1 40 43 51 65; fax: +33 1 40 43 54 93.

E-mail address: assia.tegguer@lcpc.fr

doi: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2011.08.018

Table 1
Correlation data for Hall's capillary model.

A C S (g/[h.sup.0.5]) [R.sup.2]

RA (5-12) 8.47 0.37 8.33 0.998

RA (12-20) 2.40 0.28 6.01 0.995
LSA (4-12.5) 1.73 0.22 1.90 0.97
LSA (12.5-20) 2.10 0.13 1.59 0.98
LA (4-12.5) 1.27 0.12 1.32 0.98
LA (12.5-20) 0.75 0.10 1.25 0.99

The sorptivity characterizes the tendency of a porous material to

absorb and transmit fluids by capillarity. Sorptivity values are
represented by the slopes of the lines in Fig. 5.

Tegguer, A. Djerbi

Citação da fonte (MLA 8th Edition)

Tegguer, A. Djerbi. "Determining the water absorption of recycled aggregates utilizing hydrostatic weighing
approach." Construction and Building Materials, Feb. 2012, p. 112+. Academic OneFile,
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