Improving the performance of recycled concrete by biodeposition of biogenic silica as a surface coating

Abstract

This study addresses the challenges of sustainability and the implementation of a circular economy in the construction and maintenance of concrete structures used in clean-water applications. Specifically, it examines the use of an innovative surface treatment based on a biofilm comprising diatom biosilica deposition as a waterproofing agent and surface pore sealant to improve the longevity of recycled concrete. To this end biofilm-treated and untreated (control) samples of a concrete mix containing 50% recycled aggregates were subject to four performance tests directed at assessing the durability of concrete structures under environmental conditions: resistance to carbonation, freeze–thaw durability, resistance to water penetration, and electrical resistivity as an indicator of the corrosion resistance of concrete. In addition, the protective biofilm was characterised using SEM. Results suggest that the biogenic silica surface treatment significantly improves the durability of recycled concrete, in particular, for treated compared to untreated samples there was a 56 % reduction of the carbonation front, 26% lower mass loss in freeze–thaw cycles, 57% reduction in the water penetration front under pressure, and 44% higher electrical resistivity. Together these findings confirm that the biofilm used in this study constitutes an effective treatment to improve the properties of recycled concrete and ensure its durability, particularly when used in the construction of structures in contact with constant water fluctuations.