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Can I mix the broken pieces, large whole pieces of the previous asphalt driveway that we demolished into the new concrete driveway in order to save on the cost of the concrete?

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Crushed (recycled) asphalt can make a decent base for concrete, assuming it's compacted well, but it shouldn't be mixed, for several reasons:

  • It's softer, so it creates potential for compression in the slab.
  • It's softer, so it will wear away on the surface, leaving depressions that will shorten slab life and make it less useful and attractive.
  • It's a different color and contains crude oil. Your slab will look mottled.
  • It may actually affect the cure of the concrete, which is a chemical process. This could weaken the slab.
  • It may affect how moisture acts on the slab, especially in freezing climates.

Fun fact: Asphalt pavement is concrete, at least in industry terms. It's just a different recipe of ingredients.

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Can you? Sure. You can mix dirt or trash into it too.

Is it a good idea? No.

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    This answer could benefit from an explanation of why you don't think it's a good idea.
    – Amazon Dies In Darkness
    Commented Aug 16, 2022 at 12:13
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    Feel free to write a better one, and I'll even upvote it.
    – Ecnerwal
    Commented Aug 16, 2022 at 12:22
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    Steal crip659's comment from the OP and add it in.There's your problem. ;)
    – FreeMan
    Commented Aug 16, 2022 at 12:53
  • Size of chunk is as much of a problem as softness.
    – Ecnerwal
    Commented Aug 16, 2022 at 12:55

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