Performance of Recycled Concrete Aggregate and Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement in Concrete: A Systematic Review of Mechanical, Physical, and Durability Characteristics
The increasing generation of construction and demolition waste, along with the depletion of natural aggregates, has driven growing interest in recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) as sustainable alternatives in concrete production. However, a direct and systematic comparison between the two materials remains limited. This review addresses this gap by applying PRISMA guidelines to analyze 82 peer-reviewed studies published between 2010 and 2026. Both materials are evaluated across three key domains: physical properties, mechanical performance, and microstructural characteristics. The findings indicate that RCA can reduce compressive strength by up to 26%, mainly due to the presence of porous adhered mortar and a complex interfacial transition zone (ITZ). In contrast, RAP weakens bonding with cement paste because of its hydrophobic bituminous coating, leading to adhesive failure at the mortar asphalt interface. Despite these limitations, RCA and RAP exhibit distinct behaviors in terms of shear capacity, ductility, energy absorption, and durability. Enhancement techniques such as surface treatment, carbonation, supplementary cementitious materials, and fiber reinforcement show potential in improving performance. Additionally, life cycle and economic analyses reveal that RAP can reduce total costs and carbon emissions when efficiently processed. This study provides a unified comparative framework to support sustainable material selection and design optimization.