Reuse of mixed masonry wastes in plastering mortars

Abstract

According to Eurostat statistics, the volume of waste collected is constantly increasing, the amount of waste produced in Europe in 2020 reaching 2151 million tons. In the European Union, the most waste-producing activity is construction and demolition, accounting for 37.1% of the total waste produced in 2020. This type of waste has a high occupancy rate. This article proposes the reuse of mixed masonry waste in the production of plaster mortars. The maximum amount of mixed masonry waste used in the experiment was 35%, partially replacing the aggregate component. The physical and mechanical characteristics that have been measured in the experimental program may be divided into two categories: characteristics of mortars in fresh state (apparent density, consistency) and in hardened state (bending strength, compressive strength and adhesion to the support layer). In order to highlight the influence of the addition of waste on the composition and on the evolution of the mechanical properties of the studied mortars, the experimental program was distributed over 3, 7 and 28 days. The results showed an increase in the mechanical strength of mortars containing mixed masonry waste compared to standard mortar. Mixed masonry waste can be a substitute for raw materials in the production of new types of plaster mortars and contributes to the reduction of the resulting waste by recycling and reuse. The experimental program will be continued with microscopic investigations using modern investigation methods, to highlight the behaviour of mortars with masonry waste, and to identify the correct proportion of waste that can be used in mortar networks so as not to affect the characteristics required by the acting norms.