Using recycled aggregates for non-structural concrete-curbstone in Mosul city, Iraq

Wars produce millions of tons of rubble that negatively affect the environment, the economy, and society. In Mosul city, Iraq, the war with ISIS left nearly 11 million tons of rubble. In this study, the possibility of using recycled aggregates in non-structural concrete applications was tested. Where 14 concrete mixes were designed with different replacement ratios for gravel and natural sand, and with different water-to-cement ratio ratios as well. The recycled aggregate was tested before the concrete cubes were poured. A compressive strength test was conducted after treating the concrete cubes by immersing them in water for 28 days. The results showed the highest compressive strength value of 33.7 was obtained when replacing sand with 50% and with a ratio of water to cement ratio: 0.4, while the lowest compressive strength value was 21 when replacing sand and gravel with 100% and with a ratio of water to cement ratio: 0.45.