Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112

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Construction and Building Materials

journal homepage: www.elsevier.com/locate/conbuildmat

Influence of RAP aggregates on strength, durability and porosity of

cement mortar
Sarah Mariam Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung ⇑
Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, India

h i g h l i g h t s

28-day characteristic compressive strength was achieved by RAP25 and RAP50 mix.

Lower reduction in flexural strength compared to compressive strength.

Existing strength-porosity relations holds good for RAP mortar.

Erratic behavior in drying shrinkage for RAP mortar.

Increase in strength for partially replaced mixes under sulfate attack.

a r t i c l e i n f o a b s t r a c t

Article history: The influence of fine fraction of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) aggregates on mechanical, durability
Received 22 May 2018 and porosity characteristics of cement mortar was studied when the same was used as a replacement of
Received in revised form 12 August 2018 Natural fine aggregates (NA) at 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% by volume. The stipulated 28-day characteristic
Accepted 13 September 2018
compressive strength was achieved by mortar mixes with 25% and 50% of RAP content. Porosity, deter-
Available online 21 September 2018
mined through Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), increases with RAP content and existing strength
– porosity models (Hasselman D.P.H, Balshin M.Y, Ryshkewitch E. and Schiller K.K.) holds good. Drying
Keywords:
shrinkage of RAP mortar mixes showed erratic behavior, whereas partially replaced mixes (25% and
Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement
Cement mortar
50%) showed increase in compressive strength under sulfate attack.
Sulfate resistance Ó 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Strength
Porosity
Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry

1. Introduction increase in demand for rigid pavements and dumping issues of

Day by day depletion of natural aggregates and environmental
damage caused by procurement of the same has shifted the focus
of researchers to utilize alternate sources of aggregates for pave-
ment construction. The benefits imparted by cement concrete
pavements like low maintenance, high durability and longer life
[1] has made developing countries like India to adopt rigid pave-
ment construction as the default mode of construction [2]. The
road network of India houses flexible and rigid pavements, most
of the former have crossed their stipulated design life. Demolition
of these pavements results in tons of asphalt coated aggregates
called Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) aggregates. The pressure
on the contractors to dump these aggregates also adds to the
motive of recycling RAP aggregates. Hence in the scenario of
⇑ Corresponding author.
E-mail addresses: sabraham@ce.iitr.ac.in (S.M. Abraham), gdranfce@iitr.ac.in
(G.D.R.N Ransinchung).
RAP aggregates, recycling of the same for the construction of rigid
pavements is an appropriate solution. Procurement of RAP aggre-
gates could be through milling operation, pavement demolition
or full depth reclamation [3]. A number of laboratory studies [4–
34] and field applications of RAP aggregates in cement concrete
has been conducted. But most of the studies rely on coarse fraction
of RAP aggregates (aggregate size >4.75 mm) rather than fine frac-
tion. Only few studies have been conducted on cement mortar to
study the effect of fine fraction of RAP as a replacement of natural
aggregates, so that its effect is not overlapped with action of coarse
aggregate [13–16]. Even within the mortar studies, researchers
have focused mainly on mechanical properties like compressive
strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength, and very
few on durability characteristics. In their studies, reduction of
strength parameters was observed with increase in replacement
level of RAP aggregates. The effect of gradation of RAP aggregates
was studied by Abraham S.M and Ransinchung G.D.R.N [16],
Berry M. et al. [19], Shi X. et al.[20], and Gillen S.L. et al. [21]. Most

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2018.09.069
0950-0618/Ó 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
1106 S.M. Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung / Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112
of the research are conducted on part replacement of natural
aggregates by weight which could question the basis of compar-
ison between the mixes since the volumetric contents are different
due to variation in specific gravities between RAP aggregates and
natural aggregates. In order to study the influence of RAP fine
aggregates on strength, durability and pore distribution character-
istics, the number of influencing parameters were minimized in
the present study, such as natural coarse aggregate (which may
blind the effect of RAP fine aggregates), maintaining a constant
water – to – cement ratio. The load, sulfate attack and environmen-
tal influences would be faced by cement matrix with RAP fine
aggregates. Hence the objective of the present study is to analyze
the effect of RAP aggregates as replacement of Natural aggregates
(NA) on the mechanical properties, durability properties and pore
size distribution of cement mortar. The natural aggregates were
replaced at various part replacement levels by volume using RAP
aggregates (25%, 50%, 75% and 100%). The results of the study could
add on to the available literature on the effect of RAP fine aggre-
gates on mechanical properties but also add on the limited or neg-
ligible literature on porosity of RAP inclusive cement mortar using
MIP technique and behavior of the same under sulfate attack. Res-
trained shrinkage of RAP inclusive cement mortar was discussed by
Topcu I.B. and Isikdag B. [13], whereas the present study discusses
about drying shrinkage. The behavior of RAP inclusive cementi-
tious mixes could not be conventionally predicted in certain cases
as it could be done for cementitious mixes with natural aggregates.
Therefore, it is necessary to understand whether the existing
strength – porosity relationship is applicable to RAP inclusive
cementitious mixes. The behavior of RAP inclusive cement mortars
shall act as a guideline for the future concrete studies taken up in
the later stage of the research program.
2. Experimental program
2.1. Materials
For cement mortar mixes, Ordinary Portland Cement Grade 43 (OPC – Grade 43)
conforming to IS:8112 [35] was used. The consistency [36], initial setting time [37],
final setting time [37] and fineness [38] of cement were found to be 32%, 55 min,
311 min and 5% respectively. Natural aggregates (NA) and RAP aggregates conform-
ing to IS:383 [39] were used as fine aggregates in cement mortar. The source of RAP
aggregates was the same as in [16,17] and has sandstone as their parent rock. RAP
aggregates were obtained from pavement demolition of National Highway (NH)
334 using a backhoe. The fine aggregates (NA and RAP) fall into Zone II (as per
IS:383 [39]) and RAP aggregates are coarser in comparison to NA as per the particle
size distribution shown in Fig. 1. The specific gravities of NA and RAP aggregates
were found to be 2.652 and 2.426 respectively [16]. Bitumen content of RAP aggre-
gates was found to be 2.82% using centrifuge extraction method [40]. The cement
mortar mixes were prepared and cured with potable water conforming IS:456 [41].
2.2. Mix design
Five cement mortar mixes were prepared at replacement levels of
0%,25%,50%,75% and 100% of NA by RAP. The replacements were carried out by
volume. In order to analyze the sole effect of fine RAP aggregates on mechanical,
100
80
Percent finer ,%
60 Upper limit
40 lower limit
NA
20
RAP
0 CM
0.1 1 10
Sieve opening (mm)
Fig. 1. Gradation of fine aggregates used in cement mortar mix.
durability and porosity characteristics of cement mortar, the cement-to-sand ratio
and water-to-cement (w/c) ratio were maintained at 1:3 and 0.44 respectively for
all mixes. Preparation of cement mortar mixes were in accordance to IS:4031 (Part
8) [42] using a planetary mixer. The mixes are denoted as CM (Control Mix with 0%
replacement of NA) and RAP n mix, n being 25, 50, 75 or 100 depending upon the
replacement level of NA by RAP as shown in Table 1.
2.3. Determination of mechanical properties
Mechanical properties such as compressive strength, flexural strength and split-
ting tensile strength of cement mortar specimens were determined at 7, 28 and
90 days of moist curing. Cubical specimens of 70.4  70.4  70.4 mm size conform-
ing to IS:10086 [43] were used to determine compressive strength as per IS:4031
(Part 6) [44]. Prism moulds of 160  40  40 mm conforming to IS:10078 [45]
and disc specimens of 100 mm diameter and 50 mm thickness were used to deter-
mine flexural strength [42] and splitting tensile strength [10] of cement mortar.
2.4. Determination of porosity
The porosity of hardened cement mortar was determined using Mercury Intru-
sion Porosimetry (MIP) method. It is a common method in measuring the pore size
distribution of cement-based materials, which uses non-wetting fluid such as mer-
cury to fill the pores of diameter d under gradual increase in pressure. The pressure
P to be applied in order to fill the pores is inversely proportional to the diameter of
the pore [46] and is given by Washburn equation (Eq. (1)) [47].
d ¼ ð4ccosuÞ=P ð1Þ
where d: pore diameter; c: surface tension of mercury; u: contact angle between
mercury and pore wall.
The MIP technique can be utilized to determine the porosity and pore size dis-
tribution for macropores (pore diameter >50 nm) and mesopores (pore diameter
from 2 to 50 nm) [48,49]. The limitations for MIP technique are:
i. The Washburn equation assumes the intruded pores to be cylindrical,
ii. The ink bottle effect where the pore distribution curves could be exaggerated
as high volumes for smaller pores and small volumes for larger pores, and
iii. Prior drying of the sample causing microstructural damage during the
process.
But the MIP method is still considered to be a good technique for comparative
purposes [50–54]. The MIP tests were conducted on Mercury Porosimeter AMP-
60 K-A-1 with a maximum intrusion pressure of 414 MPa (60,000 psi). The maxi-
mum pressure for the cement mortar samples was fixed at 30,000 psi, in order to
avoid any breakage and leading to cracks in the sample. The c and u values were
0.480 N/m and 1400 respectively. The weights of the samples were approximately
2.5 g. The MIP technique requires the sample to be conditioned prior to testing
for which the sample should be void of any moisture. Oven drying at 105 °C were
done in many of the studies [46]. But it was observed that oven drying of RAP inclu-
sive cement mortar or concrete resulted in melting and oozing of bitumen into the
pores of the sample [16,17,22,23]. Cement mortar pieces from inner core were
taken after 28 days of curing. The samples were dried in a vacuum oven for a min-
imum of 24 h at 35 °C. The temperature was selected as per the softening point of
bitumen. The dried samples were kept in the sample chamber of the porosimeter
and pressure was gradually provided for intrusion of mercury into the pores.
2.4.1. Analysis of strength – porosity relation
There is a close relation between strength parameters and porosity in cement
mortars, which is evident from several relationships [55–60], and research studies
[61–63]. In the present study, the models provided by Balshin M.Y [55], Hasselman
D.P.H [57], Ryshkewitch E.[58] and Schiller K.K.[59] are analyzed. The linear form of
relationship (Eq. (2)) between the strengths and porosity was suggested by Hassel-
man D.P.H. [57] for different refractory materials.
f ¼ f 0  Kp ð2Þ
where f is the strength corresponding to porosity p, f0 is the strength at zero porosity,
K is an empirical constant. Balshin M.Y [55] provided the following relationship (Eq.
(3)) between porosity and strength parameters from his study of tensile strength of
metal ceramics.
Table 1
Details of cement mortar mixes.
Mix Designation Percent of NA (%) Percent of RAP (%)
100 0
RAP 25 75 25
RAP 50 50 50
RAP 75 25 75
RAP 100 0 100
 S.M. Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung / Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112 1107

f ¼ f 0 ð1  pÞn ð3Þ 8
where f, f0, p holds the same meaning as previously stated and n is the power coef-
7

Flexural Strength (MPa)

ficient [55,61]. Another widely used relation is the exponential strength – porosity
relationship (Eq. (4)) for ceramics and rocks provided by Ryshkewitch E [58],
6
f ¼ f 0 eKp ð4Þ
5 7 day
where f, f0, p holds the same meaning as previously stated and K is an empirical con-
stant. Schiller K.K [59] had proposed a logarithmic relationship (Eq. (5)) between 28 day
strength and porosity for non – metallic brittle materials. The relationship is based 4
on the porosity when the material has zero strength. 90 day
3
f ¼ K lnðp0 =pÞ ð5Þ

where f is the strength corresponding to porosity of p, p0 is the porosity when the 2

material has zero strength and K is an empirical constant. 0 25 50 75 100
Percent of RAP content in cement mortar (%)
2.5. Determination of durability properties
Fig. 3. Flexural strength of RAP inclusive cement mortar.
Prism specimens of size 25 mm x 25 mm x 285 mm were used to find the dry-
ing shrinkage characteristics of RAP inclusive cement mortar in accordance with From Fig. 3, it is observed that with increase in RAP aggregate
IS:4031 (Part 10) [64]. Gauge studs were inserted in the bar moulds prior to pouring content in cement mortar, the flexural strength decreases at all
of mortar. The lengths of the specimens were measured using a length comparator ages of moist curing (7, 28 and 90 days) similar to compressive
at 7 days of moist curing and 14, 21, 28 and 35 days of air storage (including moist
strength. The maximum reduction in flexural strength was
curing of 7 days). The effect of sulfate attack on RAP inclusive cement mortar were
also analyzed in accordance to ASTM C267 [65] by immersing cubical specimens of observed for 100% replacement of NA by RAP aggregates for all cur-
70.4 mm  70.4 mm  70.4 mm in 5% sodium sulfate solution (Na2SO4) for 90 days ing ages. But the extent of reduction in flexural strength for each
(inclusive of 28 days of moist curing). The selection of Na2SO4 solution was in accor- replacement mixes in comparison to the control mix, reduces with
dance with ASTM C1012-15 [66]. Before immersing, the mass of the specimens was
age of curing. When taking the 28 day flexural strength in consid-
noted. Changes in specimen mass and compressive strength were measured after
90 days.
eration, the reduction in strength ranges from 6% to 25%.

3. Results and discussion 3.3. Splitting tensile strength

3.1. Compressive strength
The results of compressive strength of cement mortar speci-
mens with various percentage of RAP aggregate content is shown
in Fig. 2.
It can be seen that, with increase in RAP aggregate content,
compressive strength of cement mortar reduces. This reduction is
seen for 7, 28 and 90 day specimens. The rate of gain of strength
for the mixes was more in early ages till 28 days in comparison
to later ages. Taking 28-day compressive strengths into considera-
tion, cement mortar specimens with 25% and 50% RAP content
(RAP 25 and RAP 50 mix) had achieved the 28-day characteristic
strength requirement of 43 MPa [35]. But when compared to the
control mix, a reduction of 4.85%, 17.48%, 23.30% and 30.10% was
observed for RAP 25, RAP 50, RAP 75 and RAP 100 mixes
respectively.
Splitting tensile strength tests were conducted for RAP inclusive
cement mortar samples at 7, 28 and 90 days of moist curing. Fig. 4
shows the results of the same.
From Fig. 4, it could be observed that, the splitting tensile
strength reduces with increase in RAP aggregate content in cement
mortar. In comparison to compressive strength and flexural
strength, a greater reduction was observed for splitting tensile
strength of about 45% for 100% replacement of NA by RAP aggre-
gates. The reduction in strength parameters like compressive
strength, flexural strength and splitting tensile strength were in
conformation with other studies [4,7-13,16,67]. From studies con-
ducted by Brand A.S and Roesler J.R [14,15] the weakness in the
Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) contributed by increase in porosity
and the predominance of asphalt-cohesion failure compared to
asphalt-adhesion failure may be the reasons to reduction in
strength parameters.

3.2. Flexural strength 3.4. Porosity

Fig. 3 shows the variation in flexural strength of RAP inclusive The porosities of cement mortar with various replacement
cement mortar at 7, 28 and 90 days of moist curing. levels of RAP aggregates at 28-day curing age, obtained from MIP

70 6
Splitting tensile strength (MPa)
Compressive Strength (MPa )

65
60 5
55
50 4
45 7 day 7 day
40 28 day 3 28 day
35
90 day 90 day
30 2
25
20 1
0 25 50 75 100 0 25 50 75 100
Percent of RAP content in cement mortar (%) Percent of RAP content in cement mortar (%)

Fig. 2. Compressive strength of RAP inclusive cement mortar. Fig. 4. Splitting tensile strength of RAP inclusive cement mortar.
1108 S.M. Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung / Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112

9 60

8 50

Compressive strength (MPa)

Test results
7 40 Hasselman model
Porosity (%)

Balshin model
6
30 Ryskovitch model
Schiller model
5
20 f=64.243-3.124p
4 f=67.738 (1-p)^6.540
10
f=68.593 exp (-6.973p)
3
0 25 50 75 100 f=18.814 ln (64.415/p)
0
Percent of RAP content in cement mortar (%) 4 5 6 7 8 9
Porosity (%)
Fig. 5. Porosity values of RAP inclusive cement mortar.
Fig. 6. Comparison of experimentally obtained strength test results to predicted
values.
technique, are discussed in this section. The variation of porosity
with respect to replacement level is shown in Fig. 5.
3.5. Drying shrinkage
From Fig. 5, it is observed that with increase in RAP aggregate
content in cement mortar, the porosity increases which is in con-
The influence of RAP aggregates on drying shrinkage character-
formation with other studies involving RAP aggregates in
istics of cement mortar were studied. The change in length of RAP
cement-based materials [13,16]. The study conducted by Topcu
inclusive cement mortar prism specimens were found out using a
and Isikdag [13] indirectly concluded that the decrease in ultra-
length comparator as shown in Fig. 7 (a) and (b).
sound velocity in RAP inclusive cement mortar mixes was due to
Drying shrinkage characteristics (Percent shrinkage and shrink-
the porous nature of the same in comparison to the control mix.
age strain) of RAP inclusive cement mortar specimens at various
It is also observed that the CM and RAP 25 mixes are comparable
inspection periods are shown in Figs. 8 and 9. Average value of
although the porosity of RAP 25 is lower than CM by 3.05%. At
three specimens of each mix is shown in Figs. 8 and 9.
the same time, at replacement levels of 50%,75% and 100%, the
For cement paste, the expected linear change on complete dry-
porosity values increased by 71.5%, 73.8% and 89.8% respectively.
ing is of the order of 10,000  106 to 4000  106 [68]. At 28 days
The increase in porosity may be due to increase in porosity of weak
of drying (i.e., 35 days including curing time) the maximum value
Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) in RAP mortar [14]. The plausible
of shrinkage strain was 3000 106 m/m from Fig. 9. The specified
reason for a porous ITZ may include the hydrophobic nature of
limit of length change in accordance with ASTM C157 [69] is 500
asphalt, repelling the water gradient formed around the aggregate
microstrain (0.05%) at 28 days of drying (air storage only without
in fresh cementitious mix thereby preventing effective and effi-
moist curing), but these limits are often modified when water stor-
cient packing of hydration products. The poisoning effect on
age (moist curing) and air storage of specimens are provided [70].
cement hydration by asphalt caused by organic compounds can
Considering the limit of 500 microstrain, RAP inclusive cement
also produce porous ITZ [14].
mortars were not within the limits specified by ASTM C157. From
The existing models of strength – porosity relationship for
Figs. 8 and 9, it can be seen that no particular trend was followed
cementitious materials derived by Hasselman D.P.H [57], Balshin
with respect to replacement level, which is in contrast to the
M.Y. [55], Ryshkewitch E. [58] and Schiller K.K. [59] were analyzed
results provided by Topcu and Isikdag [13]. In their study, a trend
based on Eqs. (2)–(5). Table 2 provides the strength – porosity
was observed for free shrinkage with replacement level conducted
models for cement mortar.
for 60 days. Even though a trend was not observed with respect to
The above stated empirical models estimates 28 – day compres-
replacement level, the behavior was followed in every drying age.
sive strength based on porosity of 28 – day cement mortar samples
Irrespective of the behavior being followed, the drying shrinkage of
determined through MIP technique. The effect of RAP content in
RAP inclusive cement mortar is more than the control mix which
the empirical models are depicted by the porosity values. Fig. 6
may be due to increase in porosity of the former mixes or may
represents the experimental and predicted values of compressive
be due to decrease in stiffness of RAP aggregates reducing the
strength. The correlation between the experimental and predicted
internal strain and causing increase in elongation [13]. Further
values for compressive strength are 0.9622, 0.9586, 0.9579 and
studies need to be taken up in order to see whether this behavior
0.9527 by Hasselman D.P.H, Balshin M.Y, Ryshkewitch E. and Schil-
is being maintained in longer periods of drying. The rate of shrink-
ler K.K. models respectively.
age per day is shown in Fig. 10.
It is observed that from Table 2 and Fig. 6 that all the strength –
In the span of 35 days of air drying (including 7 days of moist
porosity empirical models stated above have good correlation with
curing), cement mortar specimens consisting of RAP aggregates
R2 values more than 0.9. Hence the empirical models proposed by
experienced higher rate of drying shrinkage in the initial days of
them could estimate the compressive strength of cement mortar
drying in comparison to control mix, as shown in Fig. 10. The max-
based on porosity values.
imum rate of shrinkage per day was observed for 75% replacement
of NA by RAP aggregates in cement mortar.

Table 2 3.6. Resistance to sulfate attack

Empirical models for estimation of compressive strength from porosity.

Model R2 value Derived by Resistance of RAP inclusive cement mortar to sulfate attack was
f = 64.243  3.124p 0.926 Hasselman D.P.H analyzed by immersing 70.6 mm cube specimens in 5% sodium sul-
f = 67.738 (1  p)6.540 0.919 Balshin M.Y fate solution for 90 days after 28 days of moist curing. The solution
f = 68.593 e6.973p 0.918 Ryshkewitch E. was renewed every two weeks in order to maintain the concentra-
f = 18.814 ln (64.415/p) 0.908 Schiller K.K
tion. The masses of the specimens were recorded prior and after
 S.M. Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung / Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112 1109

Fig. 7. (a) Casting of drying shrinkage prism specimens. (b) Measurement of length using length comparator.

0.35
Percent shrinkage (%)

Rate of shrinkage (x10^-6 m/day)

0.3
60
0.25 NA
0.2 RAP 25
0.15
RAP 50
0.1 40
0.05 RAP 75
0 RAP 100
7 14 21 28 35
20
Duration of drying (including curing time), days

Fig. 8. Percent shrinkage of RAP inclusive cement mortar.

0
% of RAP content 0 25 50 75 100 0 25 50 75 100 0 25 50 75 100 0 25 50 75 100
Shrinkage strain (micro m/m) or

3500
7 to 14 14 to 21 21 to 28 28 to 35
3000 Time period in days
2500
NA Fig. 10. Rate of shrinkage per day of RAP inclusive cement mortar.
10^-6 m/m

2000
RAP 25
1500
RAP 50
1000
RAP 75 From Fig. 12, it is observed that with increase in RAP aggregate
500
RAP 100 content in the cement mortar, the percent of mass reduction
0 increases. This observation is in conformation with other studies
7 14 21 28 35
related to fine RAP inclusive cementitious material subjected to
Duration of drying (including curing time), days aggressive environment [67]. This may be due to increase in poros-
Fig. 9. Shrinkage strain of RAP inclusive cement mortar.
ity which allows the transportation of sulfate ions in the specimen.
The maximum reduction in mass was less than 0.5%.
Fig. 13 provides with the comparison of compressive strengths
90-day immersion by cleaning them under tap water as shown in of cement mortar cubes subjected to sulfate attack as well as under
Fig. 11. The change in strength with respect to specimens under normal moist curing condition.
90 days of moist curing were noted by conducting compressive The compressive strength of the control mix (with 0% RAP con-
strength test as per IS:4031 (Part 6) [44]. tent) was reduced by 21.60% due to sulfate attack and similar
Drastic changes in physical appearance were not observed for behavior was shown by RAP 100 mix, where the reduction was
RAP inclusive cement mortar cubes in comparison to control mix 40%. A reduction of 8.99% in compressive strength was also
cubes whose few edges were not sharp. The change in mass and observed for RAP 75 mix. Interestingly, for partially replaced mixes
compressive strength of the specimens are shown in Figs. 12 and (RAP 25 and RAP 50), the compressive strength did exhibit the typ-
13 respectively. ical behavior in a sulfate environment, where the strength can
1110 S.M. Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung / Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112

Fig. 11. Control mix and RAP inclusive cement mortar specimens after subjecting to sulfate attack.

0.36 date further salt crystallization products developing new cracks

Percent of mass reduction (%)

0.34 and reducing the compactness [75,76]. The increase in strength

0.32
in RAP 25 and RAP 50 were observed to be 13.21% and 1.04%
0.3
0.28 respectively. This contrasting variation in strength between RAP
0.26 25, RAP 50 and, RAP 75 and zero/fully replacement mixes (CM
0.24 and RAP 100) may be due to difference in rate of formation of salt
0.22
0.2 crystallization products and filling up of cracks or micro – pores.
0.18
0.16
4. Conclusion
0.14
0.12
0.1
The strength parameters like compressive strength, flexural
0 25 50 75 100 strength and splitting tensile strength of RAP mortar mixes
Percent of RAP aggregate in cement mortar (%) were lower than the control mortar mixes at all ages of curing.
But RAP 25 and RAP 50 mixes could achieve the stipulated 28-
Fig. 12. Percent of mass reduction in RAP inclusive cement mortar subjected to
sulfate attack.
day characteristic compressive strength of 43 MPa. The extent
of reduction in strengths was analyzed with respect to RAP con-
tent and age. The maximum reduction in strengths were 30.10%,
N - water curing 25% and 45% for compressive, flexural and splitting tensile
Y - under sulfate attack strength respectively. It was also observed that the amount of
62.5 reduction in strength in comparison to the control mixes was
60
60
Compressive Strength (MPa)

reducing with age. The percentage reduction may vary based

53
49
40
20
0
N Y N Y
% of RAP 0 25
Fig. 13. Compressive strength of RAP inclusive cement mortar subjected to sulfate
attack.
develop in a rapid pace in a sulfate solution than in water in the
early stage [71]. The compressive strength of cement-based mate-
rials depends on the continuous salt crystallization generating
products like gypsum and ettringite [72,73]. In the initial stages,
these new products tend to fill the micro – cracks and pores mak-
ing the mortar more compact and leading to increase in compres-
sive strength [71]. Studies have shown that there is an increase in
strength in the initial days of immersion even up to 180 days fol-
lowed by decrease in strength [74]. The strength gradually
decreases when the pores and the micro – cracks cannot accommo-
on the characteristic of RAP aggregates such as age of the source
48 48.5 pavement, bitumen content etc. Hence for any application, say
44.5
40.5 rigid pavement construction using the same cement (OPC Grade
37.5 43), a minimum stipulated strength should be met by the
cementitious mix whether with NA or RAP and shall not rely
on a tolerance limit in strength reductions. With either increase
22.5 in curing days or incorporation of mineral admixtures, the min-
imum strength could be achieved for 75% and 100% RAP mixes.

The porosities of cement mortar mixes determined through MIP
technique, increases with increase in RAP content, may be
owing to the increase in porosity of ITZ in RAP mortar. Since
N Y N Y N Y conventional oven drying at 100 °C leads to melting of bitumen,
50 75 100 vacuum drying at 35 °C was adopted. Several existing models
for strength – porosity relation derived by Hasselman D.P.H
[57], Balshin M.Y. [55], Ryshkewitch E. [58] and Schiller K.K.
[59] were analyzed and held good statistically for RAP mortar
mixes.

Durability properties like drying shrinkage and resistance to
sulfate attack were also analyzed. Like in strength parameters,
a trend with increase in RAP content was not observed for dry-
ing shrinkage and rather it was an erratic behavior which was
uniform with time. RAP mortar mixes undergone more shrink-
age in comparison to control mix with rate of shrinkage to be
higher at the initial days of air drying.

Under sulfate attack, increase in mass reduction was observed
with increase in RAP content. The effect of sulfate environment
on compressive strength of cement mortar mixes was interest-
ing. When comparing mixes under moist curing, reduction in
 S.M. Abraham, G.D.R.N Ransinchung / Construction and Building Materials 189 (2018) 1105–1112
strength was observed for 0%, 75% and 100% RAP mixes, where
as for RAP 25 and RAP 50 increase in strength was observed
after 90 – day period. This may be due to difference in rate of
formation and filling of pores by expansive products (gypsum
and ettringite) between the mixes. The strength of CM, RAP
75 and RAP 100 mixes under sulfate attack was lower than
respective moist curing mixes as the pores and the micro –
cracks were not able to further accommodate the expansive
products leading to new cracks and reduction in compactness.
The variation in strength under different exposure conditions
for duration more than 90 days need to be analyzed. Taking a
safe margin to strength parameters and resistance to sulfate
attack, replacement of natural fine aggregates by RAP aggre-
gates at 25% by volume shall be suggested in cementitious mix-
tures. Increasing the said percentage of replacement by
incorporating mineral admixtures or so shall be analyzed in
the future studies.
Conflict of interest
The authors declared that there are no conflict of interest.
Acknowledgements
The authors are thankful to the financial support provided by
M/s N.B.C.C (India) Limited for the ongoing research project (Pro-
ject No. NBC-931-CED) and technical support provided for labora-
tory investigations by personnel of Transportation Engineering
Laboratory, Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of
Technology Roorkee-India.
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