Recycled and secondary aggregates as good as primary ones, BRE to prove

A new project has been launched by the Building Research Establishment (BRE) to show that recycled and secondary aggregates can perform as well as, and sometimes better than, primary aggregates when used in construction.

The project will present the necessary know-how to successfully use recycled and secondary aggregates in practical applications. It follows an earlier study that showed many clients lack the knowledge required to influence decisions on using these aggregates in construction projects.

Up to six best practice exemplar case studies reflecting a range of applications, products and processes for recycled and secondary aggregates, will be used to help clients - and the wider construction community - to specify these materials.

They will identify the performance impacts of using various recycled and secondary aggregates (highlighting national and European standards) in applications across differing construction project types, from roads to buildings to landscaping.

Ultimately, the project will contribute to the Government's national targets for the use of recycled and secondary aggregates, rising from 40m tonnes in 2001, to 55m tonnes by 2006.  This target equates to an increase in use of three million tonnes per year between now and 2006.

The case studies will also be included on the AggRegain web site - the sustainable aggregates information service from WRAP (www.aggregain.org.uk). The AggRegain site already includes over 50 case studies that demonstrate the parity of performance and the potential cost benefits of using recycled and secondary aggregates.