An overview of factors influencing the properties of concrete incorporating construction and demolition wastes

Abstract

Utilization of recycled aggregate (RA) and recycled concrete powder (RCP) from the construction and demolition waste (CDW) has multiple advantages including; preservation of sources of natural aggregates, conserve acres of land currently being used as landfills and contribute towards sustainably built environment. Especially, partially replacing cement with RCP can contribute to decreasing the carbon footprint of construction industry. Globally, enormous efforts are being made to develop green binders by totally avoiding the usage of OPC in making cementitious materials such as alklai-activated binders (AAB), calcium sulfoaluminate cement and magnesium-based-cement. CDW is a promising material in synthesizing such kinds of cementitious materials including usage of RA. This comprehensive review presents the pros and cons of processing techniques of CDW for various usages in preparing concrete. An overview of factors influencing the properties of CDW-incorporated concrete has been presented in detail. The durability of concrete prepared with CDW products has been discussed. Treatment techniques of CDW to enhance the properties of CDW concrete are presented. Further, the potential of using RCP in developing green binders has been highlighted. Finally, based on the outcomes of the review, the potential of using CDW in future research has been comprehensively presented. The review demonstrates that there is a great potential for using CDW in the production of structural and non-structural concrete applications. Particularly, RCP can be beneficially used in developing value-added construction materials.