Recycled concrete as the future solution
A first thought could be for some that recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) appears to be a second choice solution. This opinion could be motivated by the impression that it is being utilized not because of its structural performance, but because of a need to produce a more sustainable and environmental-friendly material! However, many satisfied engineers, end users and producers such as concrete recycling Sacramento, have the hands-on knowledge and experience to dispel this perception.
The popularity of crushing old concrete to produce aggregate for new concrete is rapidly increasing in popularity for various reasons. A primary one is that owners want projects to be sustainable and LEED certified. This qualifies the structure as being a Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, which is a green building certification program recognizing best-in-class building strategies and practices. Apart from recycled concrete qualifying for recycled material credits; due to it usually being found locally, it also qualifies for local credits.
Concrete with recycled concrete aggregate has a smaller carbon footprint and crushing it for the production of Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA) such as with t concrete recycling Sacramento, involves the use of less energy than mining natural aggregate. In addition, the environment is being protected and improved as the utilization of old concrete helps to conserve virgin aggregate supplies, which are being depleted, especially in the vicinities of larger cities.
If we retrace our concrete footprints to the 1970’s when landfills located near populated areas started refusing broken concrete, the construction industry began crushing this waste material to produce aggregate for use as compacted fill. Any steel reinforcement and wood were separated from the concrete, leaving and aggregate that frequently included a mixture of concrete, brick, and asphalt. Today producers like concrete recycling Sacramento are looking to the future and providing a solution for processing our waste materials, which is cost-effective and environmental friendly!