Title: Similarities and synergies between mineral processing and recycling of Construction and Demolition Waste

Authors: Elena Garbarino

Addresses: Sustainable Development and Environmental Planning Department, Torino Province, Corso Inghilterra 7, 10138 Torino, Italy

Abstract: Recycled aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste (C&DW) can replace natural aggregates in applications such as road construction and concrete production, but in the latter instance there are stringent quality requirements. This paper proposes the application of mineral dressing concepts to the characterisation of C&DW. The main strengths and drawbacks of dry and wet separation processes are presented. Jigging is shown to be a promising method for C&DW beneficiation. Indicators such as Los Angeles index, Shape Index and concrete compressive strength are proposed for monitoring recycled aggregate quality. Similarities and synergies between mineral processing and C&DW recycling are finally outlined.

Keywords: C&DW; construction; demolition waste; recycled aggregates; wet treatment; beneficiation; jigging; washability; partition curves; Los Angeles index; shape index; concrete compressive strength; mineral processing; recycling; mineral dressing; recycled aggregate quality; quality monitoring.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMME.2010.037627

International Journal of Mining and Mineral Engineering, 2010 Vol.2 No.3, pp.253 - 275

Published online: 20 Dec 2010 *

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