Life cycle assessment (LCA) of concrete made using recycled concrete or natural aggregates

Abstract

This chapter is devoted to comparative environmental assessment of structural concrete made with recycled concrete aggregates and structural concrete made with natural aggregates. The results of life cycle assessment of concretes with three different types of aggregate: natural gravel, natural crushed and recycled concrete aggregate are presented. The influence of the transport phase and CO2 uptake during the life cycle of concrete structures are analyzed. Conclusions on eco-efficiency of recycled aggregate concrete compared to natural aggregate concrete and recommendations for future research are given. © 2014 Woodhead Publishing Limited All rights reserved.