This paper describes a method of designing and producing innovative mineral–asphalt mixtures, which utilize waste aggregate from the recycling of sanitary ceramics. The work presents the basic properties of the ceramic material, the investigation concerning the microstructure of the aggregate obtained from the grinding of waste, and a comparison with the images obtained for the aggregates usually employed in mineral–asphalt mixtures. The mixtures were designed for the application in the wearing course. Four series of mixtures were prepared. In the first and second, the ceramic aggregate constituted a partial substitute for dolomite, whereas in the third, we substituted granodiorite, and the fourth series contained only dolomite. The mixtures were examined for the content of soluble binder, the bulk density of samples, the presence of voids, the space filled with binder, and the susceptibility to water and frost corrosion. The obtained results were compared with the standard requirements. The microstructure as well as the contact zone in the considered mineral–asphalt mixtures are presented based on research conducted by means of a scanning electron microscope (SEM).

The purpose of this paper is to determine the influence of the lightweight porous perlite aggregate and two widely used types of fibres on the physical and mechanical properties, frost durability and microstructure of self-compacting lightweight concrete (SCLC). The experimental investigation consisted of tests carried out on cubes and prismatic samples made of SCLC and fibres-reinforced SCLC with variable content ranging from 0.5 to 1% of basalt fibres (BF) and/or 0.5% of steel fibres (SF). In this study, two variable contents of fine perlite aggregate were used: 5% and 15%. The workability (the slump-flow and t500 values) in fresh state SCLCs have been done. Extensive data on compressive and flexural tensile strength in bending behaviour, frost resistance and the microstructure including interfacial transition zone (ITZ) were recorded and analysed. The hybrid fibres-reinforced SCLC with perlite aggregate showed a more ductile behaviour compared to that of SCLC without fibres. Fibres bridge cracks during flexural tensile strength test. BF successfully protected porous SCLC against frost attack, whereas SF succumbed to damage.

This article presents test results and examines the possibilities of using aggregate from ceramic waste for mineral-asphalt mixtures. In addition, the mineral composition, physical and mechanical properties of aggregates from natural raw materials such as dolomite, granodiorite and waste ceramic aggregate (introduced as a partial substitute for the main aggregate) were analyzed. The shape of grains was examined by determining the shape and flatness index of aggregates, resistance to grinding and frost resistance. The tested properties have a direct impact on the durability of road surfaces. To this end, the adhesion of asphalt to the surface of the aggregates used was additionally determined. Determination of surface roughness and two-dimensional (2D) topography of tested aggregates was carried out. The aggregates microstructure examination, coupled with the energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis, was conducted to determine the morphology and texture of the aggregates as well as to identify the basic chemical components.

The paper describes a new model of concrete production, which contains a glass cullet. A worn-out car side window have been used for the production of recycled glass aggregate (RGA) and its properties were examined. The RGA was used in concrete as a 50% and 100% mass substitute of the traditional aggregate. Basic tests of fresh concrete mix and hardened concrete were carried out. The consistency, the air content in the concrete mix, the density of hardened concrete, water absorption, water resistance, frost resistance, and the compressive strength (after 9, 28, and 90 days) were evaluated. Composite samples were also subjected to microscopic analysis. The results showed that the RGA can be recommended as an aggregate for concretes, and the features of the RGA concrete are more favorable than those of traditional concrete. The microscopic analyses allowed us to identify the reasons for improving the properties of the RGA composites.

No abstract

In line with the current trend of seeking alternative methods for modification of the existing building composites, such as mineral–asphalt mixtures (MAMs), the materials from concrete and ceramics recycling are being used in increasingly wider applications. When added to MAMs as an aggregate, ceramic building material, which has different properties than the raw material (clay), may significantly influence the aggregate properties, including the wettability, porosity, asphalt adhesion, and consequently the mixture durability. The material’s microstructure was found using SEM. The wetting properties of mineral–asphalt mixtures were determined by measuring the contact angles (CA) of their surfaces, using water as the measuring liquid. The total surface free energy (SFE) values were determined using the Neumann method. When analyzing the research results, it can be noticed that the chemical composition of the ceramic aggregate has a significant influence on the adhesion of asphalt to its surface due to the chemical affinity. Waste ceramic aggregate, despite its acidic pH value being connected with its elevated silica content, exhibits good adhesive properties.

Directive 2003/17/EC of the European Parliament and the European Council stipulates that petrol (gasoline) with a total sulfur content below 10 mg kg-1 must be available in all European Union member states by 2009. Three certified reference materials were produced in support of this directive in a joint effort of the members of the European Reference Materials Initiative (ERM). Two of the materials were made from commercial petrol, while the third one was prepared from a blend of commercial petrols. Relative between-ampule heterogeneity of the materials was quantified and found to be below 2.5%. Potential degradation during storage and dispatch was quantified, and shelf lives based on these values were set. The three materials were characterized by three institutes using different variants of isotope-dilution mass spectrometry. The results from the three institutes were combined, and the final uncertainties of the respective sulfur mass fractions were estimated including contributions from heterogeneity, stability, and characterization. The following mass fractions were derived:  ERM-EF211, 48.8 ± 1.7 mg kg-1; ERM-EF212, 20.2 ± 1.1 mg kg-1; and ERM-EF213, 9.1 ± 0.8 mg kg-1.

The paper presents the experimental studies on the effect of the water containing micro-nano bubbles of various gases on the physico-mechanical properties of lime-cement mortars. In total, 7 types of mortars were prepared: with water containing the micro-nano bubbles of O2, O3 or CO2 as 50% or 100% substitute of ordinary mixing water (tap water) and the reference mortar prepared using tap water. In order to determine the influence of water with micro-nano bubbles of gases, the consistency of fresh mortar and the physical properties of hardened mortar, i.e., specific and apparent density, total porosity, water absorption by weight and capillary absorption, were established. The mechanical strength of the considered mortars was studied as well by conducting the tests for flexural and compressive strengths following 14, 28 and 56 days. Reduced workability and capillary absorption were observed in the modified mortars within the range of 0.9–8.5%. The mortars indicated an increase in the flexural strength after 28 days ranging from 3.4% to 23.5% and improved compressive strength in 1.2–31%, in comparison to the reference mortar. The conducted studies indicated increased flexural and compressive strengths along with the share of micro-nano bubbles of gases in the mixing water.