Sulfates might also be present in RPCC aggregate as a result of the contact with sulfaterich soils.

Sulfate reactions lead to expansive disintegration of cement paste. High

quantities of fine RPCC aggregate (more than 10 to 20%) can produce a reduction in the
concrete quality due to the elevated level of absorption of this material, needing more
water in order to maintain an adequate workability of the concrete mix.
The shape of recycled aggregate (highly angular) increases the strength of the mix and at
the same time it can reduce its workability. The use of fine RPCC aggregate also reduces
the concrete mixture workability because of the high absorption and high angularity of
this kind of aggregate. It is expected that Plain cement concrete made with recycled
aggregate develops lower strength than the concrete made with conventional aggregate.
Compressive strength could be reduced up to 25%, flexure strength up to 10%, and the
static and dynamic modulus of elasticity up to 40 % for mixture with the same
characteristic (water cement ratio and slump). On the other hand, the incorporation of
RPCC aggregate improves the damping capacity up to 30%. The reduction in strength
associated to the incorporation of reclaimed concrete aggregate depends on the origin of
the concrete. In general, there is a reduction in strength asa concrete is produced from
reclaimed aggregate.