Using recycled demolition waste in concrete building blocks

Abstract

A study is being undertaken at the University of Liverpool to investigate the potential for using construction and demolition waste (C&DW)-derived aggregate in the manufacture of precast concrete building blocks. Recycled aggregates can be used to replace quarried limestone aggregate, usually used in coarse (6 mm) and fine (4 mmto-dust) gradings. Market research has been carried out to determine the economic viability of using C&DWderived aggregates in blocks. The availability and transportation costs of quarried and C&DW-derived aggregates have been compared and there appears to be scope for investigating the technical as well as the economic aspects of the use of C&DW-derived aggregates in block manufacture.

Sustainable recycling approach: an understanding of designers' and contractors' recycling responsibilities throughout the life cycle of buildings in two US cities

“…Many wastes generated during production and manufacturing, and by consumers, such as blast furnace slag, polystyrene and fly ash, can be used in concrete as additives (ECCO, 2000). Concrete debris can be recovered by on‐ and off‐site crushing and reused as compacted base, or mixed into fresh concrete (Parry, 2004; Soutsos et al , 2004). Concrete can be recycled off site using similar processes (Montgomery, 1998).…”

The Influence of Crushed Concrete Demolition Waste Aggregates on the Hardening Process of Concrete Mixtures

“…Aggregates of natural, man-made origin or aggregates formed from recycled materials can be utilised in concrete's production. Aggregates of recycled materials can be produced by reprocessing of construction demolition waste, including catalyst waste [1], concrete and reinforced concrete waste [2,3], wood waste glass debris. Binder is one of the most expensive raw materials in concrete's production.…”