This research assessed the performance of mortars in which recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) was a component. It replaced natural sand but kept the same particle size distribution. Three mortars were produced with replacement ratios of 20%, 50% and 100% as well as a reference mortar containing no recycled aggregate. The compressive and flexural strength, water absorption by capillarity, drying capacity and susceptibility to cracking of these mortars were analyzed first. Then, based on these results, the most satisfactory replacement ratio was chosen and the following properties were analyzed: water retentivity, shrinkage, adhesive strength, modulus of elasticity, and water vapor permeability. Somewhat surprisingly the best results in the first stage occurred for 20% and 100% replacement ratios, leading to a cautious choice of the 20% ratio for the second stage. Generally the mortar with 20% replacement ratio performed better than the reference mortar, except for adhesive strength and dimensional stability.
concrete waste; recycled aggregates; coating mortars; performance
