Elastic response and initial cost of rc buildings with diferent percentages of aggregate replacement by recycled concrete

Abstract

In this paper, the analysis of simple models of five-storey buildings using recycled concrete as aggregate, with different configurations in plan (square and rectangular) and with regularity in height, are shown. For these structures concretes with different percentages of coarse aggregate by recycled concrete of 15%, 30%, 60% and 100% are considered. The designs are made according to the Mexico City Regulations, in the area considered as hard soil. For these designs the mechanical parameters reported in the literature are considered for the same percentages of coarse aggregate replacement. The resulting designs are subjected to a reduced group of characteristic accelerograms of the location zone, obtaining maximum responses in displacements and mechanical elements. With the resultant designs, the trends of variation in the concrete volume and the needed reinforcing steel for each case are verified, thus defining the initial cost of each model. The analysis state trends in the variation of the maximum elastic responses. The procedure was done again for a 10-storey building with a less regular configuration and closer to professional practice in Mexico City area. In this case replacement percentages of 0%, and 20% are considered, the trends obtained in the simple models are verified.