Characterization of Recycled Aggregates of Concrete and Bricks in the Central Region of Burkina Faso

Aggregates used in the construction of civil engineering works have an impact on the properties of concrete. For several years the central region is famous because of the effects of extraction of natural aggregates on the environment. We conducted laboratory tests on several recycled aggregates of concrete and bricks to determine their mechanical properties. This choice was guided by a concern to identify and analyze the characteristics of natural and recycled aggregates of concretes that impact the properties of concrete on the one hand and to show the importance of increased use of recycled aggregates in concrete production to better preserve the environment and move towards sustainable development moreover. To better understand the qualities of these aggregates, it is necessary for us to carry out experimental tests in the laboratory.

The objective also guided the choice of the different types of recycled aggregates selected for the measurement of mechanical properties in the central region: Crushed Natural Gravel, Rolled Natural Gravel, Crushed Recycled Gravel, Recycled Spinning Gravel, Alluvionary Natural Sands, Recycled Brick Sands.

The results show that recycled aggregates of concrete and bricks in the central region can be used for high-quality concretes on the one hand and reduce the impact of artisanal extraction of non-recycled aggregates on the environment on the other hand.

In short, we retain that the characteristics of recycled aggregates are a function of the rate of mortar gangues glued to the mother aggregates.