ABSTRACT
Recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) retrieved from construction demolition and excavation waste is widely used as an alternative to natural aggregate (NA) in the construction industry. However, the weak adhered mortar adversely affects the properties of RCA, which has detrimental effects on the performance of resultant concrete or asphalt. This paper aims to strengthen the weak adhered mortar and improve the properties of RCA by using two surface treatment methods, polymer impregnation and pozzolan slurry soaking. The water absorption, porosity and surface morphology of RCA were comprehensively assessed before and after the surface treatment. The results show that both surface treatment methods reduce the water absorption, enhance the microstructure and improve the surface homogeneity of RCA.
