Demolition waste of bricks as recycled aggregates in concrete mix and energy impact

Abstract EN

This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of reusing building waste materials as a recycled aggregate (RA) in concrete manufacturing resulting in what is known as recycled aggregate concrete (RAC).

The recycling of waste materials in cement concrete has recently become more important and imperative due two main factors, including the continuing growth of building construction, and the urge to find sustainable resources replacement for natural materials.

A number of studies and investigations have been carried-out in this field to address the feasibility of reusing recycled buildings waste materials in concrete for new construction and from demolition of existing buildings.

However, the present study was experimentally carried-out to evaluate the possibility of reusing crushed clay bricks and cement blocks.

Three concrete mix designs with 15, 20, and 30% of cement were considered.

Three types of testing were conducted (slump test, air content, and compressive strength).

The outcomes and main findings show that the reuse of crushed clay bricks and cement blocks is feasible, in particular for incorporation in the manufacturing of non-structural concrete element such as barriers and temporary construction.

In addition, the reuse of those materials will definitely and effectively contribute to minimizing the consumption of natural materials, save energy and minimize interruption of natural environment, since there are extensively available as waste materials in new construction or by-products of demolishing building.