Abstract
This study focuses on formulating the most sustainable concrete by incorporating recycled concrete aggregates and other products retrieved from construction and demolition (C&D) activities. Both recycled coarse aggregates (RCA) and recycled fine aggregates (RFA) are firstly used to fully replace the natural coarse and fine aggregates in the concrete mix design. Later, the cement rich ultrafine particles, recycled glass powder and mineral fibres recovered from construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are further incorporated at a smaller rate either as cement substituent or as supplementary additives. Remarkable properties are noticed when the RCA (4–12 mm) and RFA (0.25–4 mm) are fully used to replace the natural aggregates in a new concrete mix. The addition of recycled cement rich ultrafines (RCU), Recycled glass ultrafines (RGU) and recycled mineral fibres (RMF) into recycled concrete improves the modulus of elasticity. The final concrete, which comprises more than 75% (wt.) of recycled components/materials, is believed to be the most sustainable and green concrete mix. Mechanical properties and durability of this concrete have been studied and found to be within acceptable limits, indicating the potential of recycled aggregates and other CDW components in shaping sustainable and circular construction practices.
Highlights
The constant craving for natural resources in the construction sector has posed a significant threat to the natural ecosystem
Neither finer fractions are removed from recycled fine aggregates (RFA) nor natural fine aggregates (NFA) are compensated with finer fractions
This study presents the feasibility of using coarse and fine recycled aggregates in a concrete mix for structural purposes and examines the possibility of using other recycled products retrieved from construction and demolition (C&D) activities such as cement-rich hydrated powder, recycled glass powder, and recycled mineral fibres
Summary
The constant craving for natural resources in the construction sector has posed a significant threat to the natural ecosystem. The construction sector is known for its increased demand for resources and energy. It accounts for approximately half of all extracted materials, half of the total energy consumption, and one-third of water consumption [1]. The increasing global construction activities urge to find sustainable resources that can replace natural resources in the production of concrete. Recycled aggregates and other mineral components retrieved from construction and demolition (C&D) activities are potential candidates in this regard. There has been substantial effort in recycling concrete aggregates and other components that originate from construction and demolition activities
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