The utilization of recycled concrete powder as supplementary cementitious material in cement-based materials: A systematic literature review

Abstract

When producing Recycled Concrete Aggregate (RCA), particles smaller than 150 μm called Recycled Concrete Powder (RCP) are obtained. Various studies have shown a potential for RCP usage as Supplementary Cement Material (SCM); however, no systematization or analysis of this information is available. In this sense, this document carried out a critical analysis for the RCP usage in construction industry, specifically as SCM, through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). A total of 103 articles from the last five years, belonging to journals indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, were analyzed. RCP production technology and its chemical, mineralogical and microstructural characterization are presented. Besides grinding, thermal activation and carbonation are the most common treatments to improve RCP reactivity by increasing fineness, specific surface area (SSA) and forming active components. Due to RCP irregular shape, rough surface, and porosity, a demand for water increases, thus reducing workability of cement-based materials. Using fineness similar or below that of Portland cement and contents less than RCP 30%, is required in order to avoid significant impact on mechanical resistance and durability in cementitious matrices. Usage of other SCMs is presented as a technical alternative to compensate RCP adverse effects. There is an environmental benefit for construction industry in using RCP, especially when reducing CO2 emissions. Despite advances in the area, further research is required to consolidate RCP usage, mainly as a replacement for Portland cement.