Abstract
This article analyzes the feasibility of using construction and demolition waste (expanded polystyrene, ceramic, and concrete waste) in a gypsum matrix to manufacture plaster for interior coatings or for prefabricated elements for interior partitions. To do this, several gypsum specimens were prepared (4 × 4 × 16 cm) incorporating different percentages of waste based on the weight of the gypsum (25%, 50%, and 75% of ceramic, concrete, and a mixture of both). Reference samples were also produced (without additions) to compare the results obtained. The compounds with the best performance were selected and lightened by preparing other samples in which 1/3 and 2/3 of the volume of ceramic, concrete, and mixed waste were replaced with expanded polystyrene (EPS). All samples were tested in the laboratory and the following physical and mechanical characteristics were determined: density, surface hardness, flexural strength, compressive strength, capillary water absorption, and thermal conductivity. Several applications were proposed for the selected compounds. A gypsum block with a sandwich configuration was obtained (40 × 20 × 10 cm) using the optimum compound. The block was further tested regarding its density and compression strength. A comparative analysis showed that it is possible to produce materials with a gypsum matrix by adding ceramic, concrete, and EPS waste, improving the behavior of the traditional gypsum and enabling them to be applied in various construction applications. These applications have a lower environmental impact than ordinary ones because they use less primary raw material, due to the reuse of waste.
Highlights
The construction sector is one of the six components of the ecological footprint of humanity [1].So, it is very important to rethink how to build and produce construction materials, minimizing the environmental impacts through the perspective of a circular economy
Eurostat statistics do not explain more about the composition of construction and demolition waste (CDW), probably due to the lack of harmonization in the procedures used to determine the amount of CDW for each Member State (MS), and because not all of them control waste generation flows and their treatments
Results of Phase 2: Selected Compounds Lightened with expanded polystyrene (EPS) Waste
Summary
The construction sector is one of the six components of the ecological footprint of humanity [1].So, it is very important to rethink how to build and produce construction materials, minimizing the environmental impacts through the perspective of a circular economy. Eurostat statistics reports that in 2016, construction and demolition waste (CDW) represented. Eurostat statistics do not explain more about the composition of CDW, probably due to the lack of harmonization in the procedures used to determine the amount of CDW for each Member State (MS), and because not all of them control waste generation flows and their treatments. A first approach of CDW composition across MS was published in a report by the European Commission [3], stating that the major CDW flows generated are from concrete (12–40%) and ceramic (8–54%), while the least produced involves gypsum (0.2–0.4%). The amount of waste from insulating materials is growing due to the increase of construction works aiming to improve the energy efficiency of buildings, which requires greater insulation. One of the most commonly used insulating materials is expanded polystyrene (EPS), which is used in panels for insulation and as blocks and jack-arches in slabs to lighten construction elements
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