With a huge quantity of buildings, roads, and other structures being built and demolished every year, tonnes of debris are generated.
Recycled concrete aggregate is a term used to describe the materials produced from crushed construction and demolition waste. This waste largely consists of concrete, but can also include other aggregate materials such as gravel, sand, slag and crushed stones.
To qualify as ‘recycled concrete aggregate’ (RCA) the primary material must be concrete. By crushing existing waste concrete and combining it with other aggregates, you can effectively recycle and reuse many materials that may have otherwise been sent to landfills.
If you’re considering a more eco-friendly aggregate solution, but unsure of the impact on your build, or are just looking to find out more, you’ve come to the right place.
In this blog, we’ll explore the top benefits of recycled concrete aggregate and how it can help your construction projects.
Let’s begin!
1) Reduces Environmental Impact
This is perhaps one of the most important benefits of recycled concrete aggregate. When you use recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) in your project, you are significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Despite every care being taken to minimise impact for new mining and quarrying, reusing existing materials is almost always going to be more environmentally friendly. Through aggregate recycling, you recycle existing materials, allowing them to be used again, without additional quarrying.
RCA also requires less energy to process than producing new aggregates, which helps you cut down on emissions and expenses. The use of RCA in your project presents an opportunity to achieve sustainability certifications, such as BREEAM, and improve your company’s green credentials.
By choosing recycled aggregate, you are not only helping the environment but also doing your part to make construction processes more sustainable.
2) Lower Construction Costs
Recycled concrete aggregates can help you lower construction costs. Typically, recycling is more affordable than mining new aggregate, as the cost of raw materials is lower.
The use of RCA in your project can help you qualify for various grants, tax credits or government incentives through the promotion of sustainable building practices. There are many ways using RCA can help lower construction costs, making it a smarter and more cost-effective choice of aggregate for many projects.
3) Increased Versatility
Recycled concrete aggregate is well-suited for a wide variety of applications. From road bases to drainage systems and new concrete mixes, RCA’s versatility is unmatched.
The physical properties of RCA are very similar to those of natural aggregates, making it an effective substitute that meets industry standards. RCA can also be combined with new aggregate to achieve greater strength and durability. This flexibility allows you to tailor it to different construction project requirements.
The use of RCA is not just limited to large-scale projects, but also smaller applications such as pathways or landscaping. Its ability to adapt is what makes RCA a practical choice for a huge array of construction and landscaping projects.
4) Higher Durability
Durability and longevity are some of the top benefits of recycled concrete aggregates for your project. Modern recycling processes ensure RCA meets high-quality standards, making it a highly reliable material.
The resilient nature of recycled concrete makes it well-suited for structures required to withstand harsh weather conditions. Its ability to maintain its shape despite temperature changes will also help prevent cracking and weathering.
When used in bases for roads or structural foundations, RCA can form a stable and long-lasting foundation that can support heavy loads.
By choosing RCA, you can extend the life of your projects into the future.
5) Reduces Landfill Waste
In the construction industry, every project leads to the generation of at least some construction waste. As landfills continue to fill, the environment is negatively impacted.
Using recycled concrete aggregate in your projects helps reduce overall construction waste, lowering pressure on landfill facilities.
Alongside reducing the amount of waste your projects generate, you also promote the reuse of materials instead of simply discarding them. Using RCA shows a commitment to responsible waste management and can enhance your company’s sustainability profile.
By reducing landfill waste, RCA helps work towards a more sustainable and efficient construction process.
Contact Middleton Aggregates For High-Quality Aggregate!
Using recycled concrete aggregates is an effective way to reduce construction material waste and bring down the costs of your construction projects.
With a growing need for sustainable construction practices and a rising awareness of the benefits of using recycled materials, the use of recycled crushed aggregates is only expected to rise.
If you are looking for aggregates to use in your next project, we can help!
At Middleton Aggregates, we provide high-quality aggregates, fill materials, and plant hire services for all your construction and landscaping needs.
Based at Blackborough End, King’s Lynn with multiple outlets located across Norfolk, we are well-equipped to serve the Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Lincolnshire area.
Whether you’re undertaking a large commercial development or a small DIY project, we offer quality materials, expert advice and reliable deliveries, all with friendly and professional service.
For more information on our products and services, click here or contact us to find out more.
