Concrete Waste Research Articles

Physical properties of recycled concrete powder and waste tyre fiber reinforced concrete

The environmental concerns of cement manufacturing prompted researchers to study other cementitious materials that are easily available, low cost, and also contribute to improved sustainability. This research was carried out for the utilization of RCP as cement replacement with different replacement ratios including 5%, 10%, and 15%. Furthermore, to improve the tensile behaviors, steel fiber was added (2.0%) as fiber reinforcement. This Part discussed the general back of demolishing construction waste, waste rubber tires, and the physical and chemical properties of RCP. Fresh properties were assessed through setting times, fresh density, and slump cone tests, and physical properties were evaluated through hardened density, water absorption, permeability, and ultrasonic pulse velocity. The change in internal structure and pozzolanic reactivity were evaluated through scanning electronic microscopy and an x-ray diffraction test. Results indicate that RCP decreased concrete workability, and increased setting time and fresh density. Furthermore, improvements in the physical properties of concrete were noted with 5.0% RCP substitution which shows 25% and 13.8% lower water absorption and permeability at 28 days. The SEM and XRD results reveal that RCP possesses micro-filling and cementitious properties.

Study on the activity, phase, thermal decomposition characteristics, microstructure, and chemical element of hardened cement powder under heating temperature of 100°C~1200°C

AbstractThe properties of thermoactivated hardened cement powder (HCP) are of great significance for the recycling and utilization of concrete waste. This paper focuses on heating activation of HCP under the temperature between 100 and 1200°C. The activity, phase changes and microstructure of thermoactivated HCP were analyzed. The results showed that HCP with heating temperature between 1000 and 1200°C showed high activity. Under the conditions of heating activation at 1200°C, water–binder ratio of 0.38 and curing time of 30 days, the compressive strength of the specimen made of HCP reached 17.56 MPa. When the heating temperature is between 700 and 1200°C, CSH gel is gradually decomposed into C2S and C3S. The chemical reaction products of cement and thermoactivated HCP are similar, both containing CaCO3, Ca(OH)2, AFt, Hydrotalcite, etc. Compared to the diffraction peaks of hydrated cement, the diffraction peaks of thermoactivated HCP are broadened and dispersed. The high Ca/Si and Al/Si ratios in the chemical reaction products of thermoactivated HCP are important reasons for the decrease in its mechanical properties.

Effect of Replacing Natural Aggregate with Plastic Aggregate on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete-Review

Humans are consuming vast quantities of plastic across various types, leading to significant challenges in decomposition and the subsequent generation of extensive plastic waste, posing a significant threat to the environment. To address this issue, researchers are actively exploring methods to minimize plastic waste and mitigate its widespread impact by incorporating it into concrete. This not only enhances concrete's durability but also reduces costs. This paper provides an overview of published research on the utilization of waste plastic in concrete. It reviews the efforts of numerous researchers in valorizing plastic waste in concrete, exploring different forms such as partial replacement of fine and coarse aggregate, as well as fibers, and examines their effects on the fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete. The research findings indicate promising possibilities for recycling plastic waste in concrete. However, there is scope to investigate the combined utilization of plastic as both aggregate and fiber in concrete, potentially enabling the recovery of additional quantities of plastic waste. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to analyze changes occurring within the concrete.

The Recycling Use of Concrete Waste as Aggregate to Produce Different Types of Concrete

The present study depends on two types of concrete: the first and second samples belong to Portland cement with a high strength of 52.5 R, and ordinary Portland cement with a normal strength of 42.5 N, respectively. The physical tests for these two samples according to Iraqi Standard Specification No. 5 of 2019 were conducted. Whereas the third and fourth samples of concrete waste were taken from Mosul City and Al-Anbar Governorate. The concrete waste samples were broken into different-size particles as a fine and coarse aggregate using a mechanical crusher (Los Angeles). According to the Iraqi Standard Specification No. 45 (1984, the Physical and chemical tests for both fine and coarse natural aggregate and recycled concrete waste were conducted. The physical and mechanical results of the recycled aggregate testing samples were found to be within the limits of specifications, in which a reference concrete was made from the standard cement samples with natural aggregate for comparison. The natural aggregate was replaced with 100% recycled aggregate, and its behavior was studied through mechanical properties tests, including compressive strength, flexural resistance, and direct tensile resistance within 7 and 28 days. The results show a decrease in the compressive, flexural, and direct tensile strength in the subjected samples compared to the reference specimens. The study concluded that a 100% replacement ratio of coarse and fine recycled aggregate can be used successfully with different types of cement to obtain a new type of concrete that can be used in several engineering fields. The mechanical properties of the new concrete depend mainly on the type, class and quality of the natural cement even on the properties of the recycled aggregate.

Investigation of polymer injection molding using calcareous waste concrete powder and polyethylene

AbstractThis study fabricated composite materials using waste concrete powder (WCP) and linear low‐density polyethylene via injection molding to improve the resource value of polymer composites of waste concrete. The flexural strength and modulus of the composite material improved with increasing WCP content and did not decrease even at a WCP content of 60 wt%. Moreover, the effect of the WCP particle size on the mechanical properties of the composite was low for composites with a WCP content of 20 wt%. To investigate the effect of the WCP particle size on the mechanical properties of the composite material in detail, the von Mises stress distribution of the composite material with a WCP content of 20 wt% was analyzed using finite element method (FEM). The von Mises stress distributions of the composite materials were almost identical across all WCP particle sizes. The results from the experiment and FEM analysis suggested that the interfacial adhesion between the WCP and LLDPE is in good condition. Therefore, it can be concluded that injection molding using WCP and LLDPE is feasible and WCP shows promise as a reinforcement particle.Highlights Fabrication of plastic composite material using the WCP by injection molding. The flexural strength and modulus increased by adding the WCP. The effect of the WCP particle size on the mechanical properties was low. The Mises stress were almost identical at each WCP particle size. The WCP is promising reinforcement of flexural strength and modulus.

Performance of Environmentally Friendly Concrete Containing Fly-Ash and Waste Face Mask Fibers

This work was carried out to explore the potential use of used face masks in concrete to develop sustainable green concrete. In this experimental study, used face masks were cut up, removing the ear stripes and internal nose steel wire, to prepare elongated fibers. These fibers were incorporated in cement fly ash mixtures as an additive to determine the response of M20-grade concrete. The Class F fly ash (FA) was employed as a fractional substitute of cement up to 25% by weight, whereas the addition of face masks occurred at 0%, 0.125%, and 0.25% by volume of concrete. The testing scheme focused on the mechanical and durability characteristics of the cement FA mixtures carried out after 3, 28, and 60 days of curing. The inclusion of FA and face mask fibers reduced the density of concrete specimens. The compressive, splitting tensile, and flexural strengths of mixes were also reduced at an early age; however, the strength characteristics improved at later ages, compared to the control mix. The combination of both materials in concrete mixtures resulted in lower water absorption, lower bulk water sorption, and lower mass loss values against acid attack at later ages. Similarly, the electrical resistance of concrete substantially enhanced by increasing the percentage of both materials. The experimental results demonstrated that processed face masks can be utilized in cement fly ash mixes without significantly compromising the resultant concrete characteristics.

Electrochemical recycling of recycled concrete powder: Selective recovery of calcium and silica to enable sustainable construction materials

Rapid urbanization produces billions of tons of concrete waste annually, with recycled concrete powder (RCP) posing significant challenges due to its high porosity and limited reusability. To overcome RCP’s inherent limitations and maximize resource utilization, we developed a novel “Recycled Concrete Powder Electrolyzer” for selective recovery of key components. This electrochemical method efficiently extracted Ca2＋ ions from RCP, achieving a 96% calcium extraction efficiency comparable to acid leaching. The process produced high-purity portlandite (94% purity; 65.58% yield) with crystal sizes below 30μm, ideal for cement manufacturing, while also recovering fine sand powder and silica-containing products. A Ca(NO3)2 electrolyte enhanced Ca2＋ migration and prevented membrane fouling, resulting in lower energy consumption compared to the NaNO3 system. By converting RCP into a carbon-free cement precursor and recovering valuable components, this approach demonstrates the feasibility of transforming problematic waste into sustainable construction materials. It offers a circular economy solution for concrete waste recycling, reducing landfill burden while providing a low-emission alternative for cement production.

Study on Microstructure of Recycled Aggregate Concrete by Scanning Electron Microscopy: A Review

Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC) is a new type of concrete made by utilizing waste concrete as aggregate after treatment. With the enhancement of environmental awareness and resource conservation, but the microstructural part of recycled aggregate concrete is not as important as the macro performance enhancement aspect by scholars. And Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) is a powerful tool for microanalysis, which can provide high-resolution images of samples as well as information on surface morphology and microstructure. In this paper, the micro-structure of RAC will be comprehensively analyzed according to the performance characteristics of RAC materials and the relevant analysis technology of SEM. Based on the microscopic technology of SEM, the research progress of the micro-structure of RAC was carried out, and the morphology and distribution characteristics of recycled aggregate particles, pore structure and porosity, the interface combination between recycled aggregate and cement matrix, and the relationship between micro-structure and RAC properties were summarized, which provided theoretical support for the future understanding of the micro-structure of RAC, increased the understanding of the micro-structure of RAC materials, and more systematically understood the application of microscopic analysis methods in RAC.

Integrated utilization of recycled waste concrete powder and waste glass power for preparation of foam ceramics

Using multi-solid wastes to prepare foam ceramics, it can not only recycle a large amount of solid waste, but also obtain products with excellent performance. In this study, foam ceramics were prepared by sintering method using recycled waste concrete powder and waste glass power as main raw material. The effect of foaming agent content on the physical properties and pore structure of foam ceramics were investigated. The matching relationship between the amount of flux and foaming agent was also analyzed. The results revealed that when the flux was 5 g and the foaming agent was 10 g, the foam ceramics showed the best overall performance. The compressive strength, bulk density, water absorption and porosity were 6.43 MPa, 1.10 g/cm3, 2.03 % and 54.35 %, respectively. At this time, the pore size distribution was optimal, and mesopore occupied the vast majority. The fractal dimension and pore shape factor reached the minimum of 1.344 and 1.076. If the foaming agent was too much, the amount of flux should be appropriately increased. When Na2CO3 content were 12 g and 14 g, the borax were at least 7 g and 9 g, respectively. The matching of flux and foaming agent can significantly improve the foaming effect. The experimental results showed that it was feasible to prepare foam ceramics by using recycled waste concrete powder and waste glass power. The prepared foam ceramics can basically reach or even exceed the current mainstream level. In addition, this foam ceramics showed great environmental and economic prospects.

Influence of stockpile design on carbonation of waste concrete: Implications for carbon management in China.

Enhancing the sequestration capacity of waste concrete is crucial for achieving carbon neutrality within the construction industry. Although existing studies primarily focus on theoretical analysis of concrete carbon sequestration, limited attention has been paid to explore the potential of waste concrete sequestration during stockpiling phase under varying environmental conditions. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a CO2 uptake calculation model tailored for the stockpiling phase of waste concrete. This model investigates the impact of crush size, stacking method and environmental conditions on the total carbon sequestration capacity and efficiency, identifying the most advantageous approach. Our findings reveal the following: (1) Increasing the crush size of waste concrete enhances its carbon sequestration capacity, albeit extends the sequestration duration. A crush size of 5-20 mm is deemed optimal for achieving the desired sequestration efficiency. (2) The optimal stacking method involves smaller piles with reduced radii and angles. (3) High temperatures and humidity levels accelerate the sequestration rate. Practical measures such as watering and covering can be employed to enhance carbon sequestration. (4) In 2021, China's waste concrete exhibited a declining sequestration potential from the southeast to the northwest and northeast regions. The maximum sequestration potential has the capacity to neutralize up to 4% of the carbon emissions generated by the construction industry in that year. This research provides a foundation for accurate assessment and the development of effective carbon sequestration strategies for waste concrete.

Circular concrete scenarios and their environmental impacts: A life cycle assessment modelled after a Swedish city

Changing from linear to circular economy is now regularly mentioned as part of the solution to global warming, because resource extraction and processing cause half of the greenhouse gas emissions globally. Concrete is the most used human-made material by weight. In this study, three scenarios were modelled for a mid-sized Swedish city: a baseline scenario with business as usual, and two scenarios with increased circularity. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was used to evaluate their resource use and environmental impacts. The results show that the more circular scenarios correspond to lower resource use and reduced environmental impacts compared to the linear baseline scenario. Reductions for impact categories related to climate change (-35%), fossil fuel energy use (-27%), mineral and metal use (-51%), land use (-53%), and water use (-43%) were found in the most circular scenario, as well as for the other environmental impact categories (17%-39%) that were part of the analysis. Most of the impact reductions to climate change (80%-84%), can be attributed to the reduction in the use of Portland cement in concrete through supplementing it with other (by-)products. The avoidance of the landfilling of concrete waste contributed mostly to the reduction of the fossil energy (47%-54%), land (63%-88%), and water (46%-67%) use impact categories. Using recycled concrete aggregate, instead of natural aggregate as an ingredient in new concrete, contributed to much of the reduction achieved in the mineral and metal use impact category (67%-85%). Even though circular scenarios might increase the need for more transport and processing which can lead to higher impacts, the results from this study show them unlikely to negate the overall impact reduction achieved by the circular strategies. Although dependent on local variables, this study indicates that more circularity can be achieved in the concrete industry, even for materials that are dealt with in high volumes such as concrete, while simultaneously increasing sustainability in the form of reduced environmental impacts.

Stabilization of metastable calcium carbonate polymorphs on the surface of recycled cement paste particles: A two-step carbonation approach without chemical additives

In this study, a two-step carbonation method is developed to control the formation of calcium carbonate (Cc) polymorphs on the surface of recycled hardened cement paste (RHCP) without the use of chemical additives. In the first step, RHCP undergoes semi-dry carbonation under controlled humidity conditions, followed by wet carbonation at various temperatures in the second step. The results show that vaterite and aragonite are stabilized during the wet carbonation process, forming primarily on the surface of RHCP particles. The stabilization of the metastable Cc phases is driven by the synergistic effect of existing Cc seeds in the RHCP and the reaction temperature. A temperature range of 9–48 °C promotes the formation of vaterite, while higher temperatures (60–90 °C) lead to its dissolution. The calcite seeds present in RHCP do not enhance the formation of vaterite and aragonite during wet carbonation. This method offers a potential practical approach for valorizing concrete waste while capturing CO₂ from the atmosphere.

Experimental Research on the Performance of Recycled Waste Concrete Powder (RWCP) on Concrete.

Waste concrete is a large amount of solid waste produced in the process of urban construction and renewal in China. Its resource utilization is of great significance for saving mineral resources and improving urban environmental quality. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of mechanical grinding time on the particle size distribution and activity of recycled waste concrete powder (RWCP). Combined with unconfined compressive strength, slump, electric flux and chloride ion penetration resistance tests, the effects of RWCP on the mechanical properties, working performance and impermeability of concrete were analyzed, and the phase and microstructure of concrete containing RWCP were analyzed by XRD and SEM. The results showed that the RWCP is mainly composed of quartz, gismondine, C2S, cancrinite and portlandite. The optimum activity of RWCP obtained by ball milling for 45 min was 44.41%. RWCP can improve the fluidity of concrete and shorten the initial setting time of concrete. When the blast furnace slag in the concrete was replaced by the RWCP, the early strength and impermeability of the concrete decreased. When RWCP replaced blast furnace slag by 69.1%, the UCS of the concrete at 1, 3, 7, and 14 d decreased from 9.56, 22.1, 34.1, and 41.2 MPa to 5.9, 14.5, 22.7, and 33.2 MPa, respectively. While RWCP replaced fly ash, the normal strength of concrete increased with the increase in fly ash replacement amount. When RWCP completely replaced FA in concrete, the 28-day strength of the concrete increased from 45.2 MPa to 50.8 MPa. The impermeability results showed that the appropriate substitution of RWCP for fly ash was beneficial to increase the impermeability of concrete while excessive substitution reduced. Based on these results, the RWCP has the potential for large-scale application in the preparation of concrete.

Effect of slope protection using concrete waste on slope stability during rainfall

Due to climate change, higher rainfall infiltration is expected in the future and it may cause a slope failure. Simultaneously, infrastructure construction and urban redevelopment are rapidly generating large amounts of construction and demolition waste that also contributes to global climate change. To ensure the stability of the slope, it is important to find cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternatives. Waste material such as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) can be utilized to protect the slope. The use of RCA for slope protection is that it can be used as a material for the capillary barrier system. The objective of this paper is to investigate the characteristics of pore-water pressure distribution and slope stability with the application of RCA protection during rainfall in comparison with the original slope through numerical modeling. The SWCC for the soil and RCA materials were measured using a high-suction polymer sensor (HSPS) and Tempe cell, respectively. The volume changes of the soil were measured using 3D scanner. SEEP/W was used to conduct the seepage analyses and obtain the change of pore-water pressure distribution due to rainfall infiltration. SLOPE/W was used to evaluate the stability of the slope with different climatic conditions. The use of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) for slope protection from rainfall infiltration has been investigated in this paper. The results showed that the safety factor of the slope increased with the addition of RCA protection. Rainfall infiltration causes a reduction in soil suction and hence reduces soil shear strength, the safety factor will also decrease since the soil will become weaker.

Thermal activation of multi-recycled concrete powder as supplementary cementitious material for repeated and waste-free recycling

Utilizing powder generated during concrete recycling process is considered crucial for achieving complete recycling of concrete waste. However, integrating recycled concrete powder (RCP) often reduces cementitious mixture performance. This study aims to enhance RCP characteristics through thermal activation, facilitating its recycling as cement replacement over multiple recycling cycles. RCPs from three cycles of concrete recycling were heat-treated at 200 °C, 400 °C, 600 °C, and 800 °C for 2 h, and their chemical composition was analyzed before and after treatment. Subsequently, the RCPs replaced cement in mortar by 10 %, 20 %, and 30 %. Various properties of the mortars, such as flow, mechanical strength, water absorption, and drying shrinkage, were tested. The results showed a general decline in mortar properties with increasing RCP replacement ratios and recycling cycles. However, RCPs activated at 600 °C and 800 °C enhanced compressive and flexural strengths by up to 19 % and 16 %, respectively, and enhanced shrinkage resistance by 19 %. Particularly, the three-times RCP activated at 800 °C achieved mechanical performance comparable to standard mortar at 10 % replacement, meeting strength grading requirements per industry standards. This study demonstrates a viable pathway for the repeatable and waste-free recycling of concrete, contributing to more sustainable construction practices.

A Review of the Utilization of Recycled Powder from Concrete Waste as a Cement Partial Replacement in Cement-Based Materials: Fundamental Properties and Activation Methods

Recycled powder (RP) is the primary by-product generated during the reclamation process of construction and demolition waste (CDW). There is existing literature on the use of RP as supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) in cement-based materials, but a comprehensive evaluation on the characteristics of RP generated from concrete waste has been missing until now. This paper critically reviews the use of RP from concrete waste in cement-based materials, as concrete waste makes up a significant amount of CDW and other components have designated recycling methods. In this sense, this study conducted a critical analysis on the use of RP as an SCM, using detailed literature research. The technology used for producing RP is detailed along with its chemical, mineralogy, and microstructural characteristics. Fresh-state properties in cementitious matrices with RP are introduced with the view of mechanical grinding, thermal activation, carbonation, chemical treatment, biomineralization, mineral addition, nano activation, and carbonation. The review highlights the significant potential of utilizing RP in cement-based materials. Specifically, RP can be advantageously utilized in the production of value-added construction materials.

Pemanfaatan Limbah Beton Sebagai Pengganti Agregat Kasar Dengan Penambahan Zat Additive Beton Mix Terhadap Nilai Kuat Tekan Beton

Utilization of concrete waste as an additional material for making concrete. And this research also adds chemical additives to the concrete mix using recycled coarse aggregate which is expected to increase the strength of the concrete. This research aims to determine the effect of adding concrete waste on the compressive strength of concrete due to variations in adding additives (Concrete Mix). and Knowing the comparison results of each substitute mixture of pure coarse aggregate with recycled coarse aggregate added with additives (Concrete Mix). This research method uses an experimental research method by comparing 4 (four) variations of the mixture to determine the compressive strength of concrete with a design compressive strength of 25 MPa. The results of the research show that each variation with a cylindrical specimen of 300mm x 150mm with a soaking age of 28 days, variations normal concrete with an average compressive strength of 25.38 MPa, a variation of 25% waste concrete with an average compressive strength of 21.89 MPa, a variation of waste concrete + 400ml mixed concrete with an average compressive strength of 25.48 MPa and a variation of waste concrete + mixed concrete 600ml with an average compressive strength of 28.31 MPa. So it can be concluded that the use of 25% concrete waste does not meet the planned compressive strength and cannot be used in construction, whereas by adding 400ml and 600ml mixed concrete additives, the maximum compressive strength is obtained and is suitable for use in construction.

Assessing the Impact of Shredded Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Post-Consumer Plastic as a Partial Replacement for Coarse Aggregates in Unreinforced Concrete.

This study investigates the feasibility of incorporating shredded polyethylene terephthalate (PET) post-consumer plastic waste as a partial replacement for coarse aggregates in unreinforced concrete such as masonry blocks. Standard concrete blocks were produced with varying PET content (0%, 5%, 25%, 35%, 50%) and tested for workability, air content, density, compressive strength, flexural strength, and thermal conductivity. Results indicated that replacing up to 25% of traditional aggregates with PET maintains adequate compressive strength for non-load-bearing applications and enhances thermal insulation by reducing the thermal conductivity from 0.7 W/m·°K to 0.27 W/m·°K at 25% replacement level, representing a significant improvement of approximately 61%. Higher PET content (35-50%) resulted in reduced structural integrity but improved insulation, suggesting its suitability for non-structural applications. This research highlights the potential of using PET plastic waste in unreinforced concrete, promoting sustainable construction practices by reducing plastic waste and conserving natural resources.

An investigation of the physic-mechanical properties of the expanded perlite mortars with thermal-activated concrete waste and microencapsulated paraffin

In the transition to zero waste and sustainable development, it becomes essential to use phase change materials and recycled cement in construction projects to improve energy efficiency and encourage sustainable building practices. The primary goal of this study is to determine how the properties of expanded perlite mortars are affected when Portland cement is partially replaced with recycled cement, produced by thermally treating concrete waste at 550 °C. Recycled cement substituted Portland cement in various percentages (10 %, 30 %, and 50 %). Also, microencapsulated phase change material (m-PCM) was incorporated into the mortar in a proportion of 2 wt% and 5 wt%. Cement-based mortars with a 1:3 aggregate volume ratio have been developed for evaluation. The mortars were analyzed in terms of mechanical strength (flexural and compressive), water absorption, thermal properties, differential scanning calorimetry, and microstructure. The experimental results revealed a decrease in mechanical strength values when Portland cement is substituted by recycled cement, regardless of percentage. Recycled cement in proportion of 30 % positively influenced the water absorption. The thermal conductivity of reference mortar was higher than that of 30 % recycled cement. The reference mortar's specific thermal conductivity values were 0.466 W/(m·K) at 25 °C, 0.525 W/(m·K) at 30 °C, and 0.589 W/(m·K) at 35 °C. On the other hand, the mortar containing 30 % recycled cement exhibited much lower heat conductivity throughout these temperatures, suggesting superior insulating qualities. DSC analysis verified that adding m-PCM to the mortars increased their thermal storage capacity, which is essential for raising the energy efficiency of building materials. Nevertheless, the mechanical strength decreased as m-PCM was added. Despite decreases, all mortars satisfied the SR EN 998–1 standard's CS IV classification for interior plaster applications, which is based on compressive strength requirements. Overall, this study shows how using m-PCM and recycled materials can improve the performance of cement-based materials.

Life cycle assessment of concrete incorporating all concrete recycling products

This study evaluates the environmental impact of concrete incorporating locally available raw materials through life cycle assessment (LCA). It explores the integration of all concrete recycling products in the concrete mixes, including recycled concrete aggregates (coarse and fine) as alternative aggregates and ternary blended cements made with recycled concrete powder and waste perlite powder. With the declining availability of conventional supplementary cementitious materials like fly ash and blast furnace slag, alternative resources are essential. The developed concrete mixes reduced the climate change impact by up to 12 % when ternary blended cements were used instead of ordinary Portland cement with the same aggregate mix. This can be attributed to the utilisation of industrial waste in the binder, which are locally available without any environmental burden other than transportation. The study maintains the same workability class and assesses the competitiveness of the developed mixes across strength classes, with notable environmental benefits recognised for the C50/60 strength class. A comprehensive assessment of the life cycle inventory (LCI) of the raw materials revealed significant variability between different sources for recycled aggregates, demonstrating the necessity for adopting a range of LCI data for alternative raw materials in the absence of specific data. Transparent reporting of production and transportation data is essential to improving LCA accuracy. The study shows the feasibility of developing circular concrete mixes that incorporate all products from the concrete recycling process, highlighting that optimising material performance and reducing reliance on conventional materials are crucial for increasing their attractiveness to the construction industry.