Damage initiation of concrete with recycled aggregates - fracture properties and role of interface (DICRAgg)

Proposed mobility project aims to investigate fracture behaviour of concrete mixture with concrete recycled aggregates (RA). This time it set its focus on the fracture analysis of interface between new cement matrix and concrete RA. Fracture analysis will provide comprehensive results, which will help to improve overall performance of designed mixture. Since the interface between new cement mixture and concrete RA has high porosity and sharp corner it represents the weakest link of whole mixture, and the crack (damage) can initiate at this location. Thus, the special attention will be paid to improve this interface by employing principle of carbonation. Using carbonation might help to improve interface properties without additional cement in the mixture as well as it represents a potential for carbon dioxide capture from the atmosphere. The influence of RA and carbonated RA on overall performance of designed concrete mixture within this mobility project will be quantified.  Furthermore, the mobility project will strengthen cooperation and networking between TUW and ÚFM, which can eventually lead to preparation of bilateral research project from national or European agencies.