Crushed concrete: The pros, cons and FAQs
What is crushed concrete, how is it made and what can I use it for?
Using crushed concrete in your projects is a more environmentally friendly choice as it keeps concrete from being dumped in landfills. It’s also a more affordable alternative to quarried stone. Lots of contractors even make their own recycled crushed concrete by buying a crusher like the one below. Want to find out how you can make your own crushed concrete?
Crushed concrete is a building material that is used for lots of different construction and hardscape projects. It's made by crushing down old, concrete structures like roads, sidewalks, curbs, buildings and driveways into smaller pieces. It’s also known in the industry as ‘RCA’ - Recycled Concrete Aggregate.
Crushed concrete can be used in landscaping projects for pathways, driveways and patios, as well as drainage ditches or pond edges. It can be made into blocks for foundations and retaining walls or even mixed with asphalt for use in paving projects. But, before you start using crushed concrete, you will want to check out the rest of this blog ... so you know all the pros and cons of using it in your next project!
Pros of using crushed concrete
It’s an amazing resource that can be used in lots of different construction, hardscape and landscape projects.
Save money on material
Using crushed concrete instead of gravel or stone is a great way to save money without sacrificing quality. It can be up to 50% cheaper, which means you can stretch your budget further and invest in other projects or new machinery.
Lots of contractors take their leftover waste concrete from driveways, walls and more, and pass it through a crusher or shredder to turn it into crushed concrete. This way, they don't have to pay extra for concrete or other aggregates bought directly from suppliers! They also don’t have to worry about running out of stock as they already have it on their job sites.
Are you thinking of making your own crushed concrete? Speak to a Machinery Partner Expert today - we have already helped people like Fabian to start their businesses!
Reduce landfill waste & be more sustainable
Using crushed concrete is a smart way to save money and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. As the availability of raw materials for making new concrete decreases, the cost of those materials will continue to rise. Crushing your existing concrete makes economic sense, and helps to minimize our impact on the environment by reducing the need for new mining or extraction of natural materials.
It is also a great way to save money on tipping fees from sending waste concrete to landfills. Crushing it yourself also means you don't have to hire extra truck drivers for transportation and you will save on fuel expenses!
Use it on lots of projects
It’s super versatile and can be used to fill, grade, or stabilize material beneath roads, parking lots, and other paved areas. Crushed concrete is also often used for drainage structures, roadway curbs, retaining walls, and in landscaping where it allows moisture to pass through soil more easily.
Cons of using crushed concrete
Although it can save you a lot of money, and help reduce the amount of material going to landfill, there are some drawbacks of using crushed concrete for your projects.
It might not be as strong
When it comes to using crushed concrete, durability can be a problem. Although crushed concrete will compact and harden over time, it may not be as strong as the original concrete structure or stone. Some studies show that the strength of recycled concrete is between 90% and 70% compared to freshly poured concrete.
It's important to check the quality and grade of recycled concrete before using it in another project to make sure it is safe and it will last. Otherwise, you could be left with roads and driveways that are full of dents and potholes.
It might not look as nice
Recycled crushed concrete has a bad reputation for not looking as nice as fresh concrete. For projects that need ‘pretty looking’ concrete, RCA might not be the best choice but it can still be used for ones that require durable materials at a cost-effective price. It’s also still great for using as base or fill - especially if it is going to be covered over.
The quality can be lower
It can often be contaminated with materials from job sites such as glue, metal rebar, and plastics depending on the original source of the concrete. This contamination can make it difficult to use for certain projects and make the concrete less durable. It's important to work with a supplier that has clear standards for quality assurance and strives to produce clean, uncontaminated material.
Water absorption
Recycled crushed concrete can soak up more water than new concrete - as much as 9% of its weight. While water is important for the concrete to harden, too much of it can cause problems. Too much water can make the concrete crack, weaken it, and look bad. It can also cause the concrete to expand, resulting in "popouts" where cone-shaped pieces break off from the surface - not good!
How much does crushed concrete cost compared to other materials?
Crushed concrete is a fantastic alternative to using granite and virgin aggregate in construction projects. Not only does it provide structural strength, but it's also a much more cost-effective option.
The price of crushed concrete varies between states, but it's generally much more affordable than other materials like granite and virgin aggregate. To learn more about the price & how to find crushed concrete and crushed stone near you, check out our linked blogs. You may even be thinking about making your own crushed concrete ... this blog has all the information you need!
Is crushed concrete good for driveways?
Crushed concrete is an excellent choice for people who are looking for a driveway material that offers superior drainage and durability at an affordable price.
Unlike gravel, crushed concrete minimizes puddles and mud patches, making it a great option for areas with high rainfall. It is also much more affordable than other paving materials like asphalt or concrete, often costing up to 50% less!
Crushed concrete requires minimal maintenance, saving you both time and money. It’s easy-to-clean surface means you won't need to make frequent trips to the store for repair supplies, and the use of recycled construction materials lowers the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By choosing crushed concrete, you can enjoy a low-maintenance, eco-friendly, and cost-effective driveway that will last for years to come.
Find out more - with the help of Machinery Partner
For more information on crushed concrete or if you are thinking of crushing your own material - Machinery Partner are here to help! With a full range of crushers, screeners, excavators & more - call today!
