Title: Technical viability of construction and demolition waste reuse in paving blocks industrial production: an experimental study

Authors: Cleber E.F. Leal; José C. Marques Neto; Guilherme A. Parsekian; André L. Christoforo; Fernanda G.S. Ferreira

Addresses: Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil ' Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil ' Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil ' Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil ' Civil Engineering Department, Federal University of São Carlos, São Carlos, Brazil

Abstract: This research aimed at evaluating the partial replacement of the regular sand with a recycled sand from concrete and mortar waste to produce concrete paving blocks (CPB), as a strategy to reduce waste disposal and save natural resources. The recycled aggregate was collected at a municipal construction and demolition waste (CDW) recycling plant. Its physical properties were evaluated and compared with those from regular non-recycled aggregates. The units were manufactured in an industry plant, with 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% aggregate replacement ratios and same cement content. Compressive strength, tensile splitting strength, abrasion resistance and water absorption were determined at 7 and 28 days. As a result, the statistical analysis showed no differences among mechanical properties from the reference mix (0%) and other replacement ratios. All mixes met abrasion limits and showed satisfactory water absorption. In conclusion, the natural sand replacement up to 30% is technically viable for CPB scale-up production.

Keywords: construction and demolition waste; CDW; recycled aggregate; concrete paving block; CPB; industrial production; physical properties; mechanical properties.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMRI.2022.123719

International Journal of Masonry Research and Innovation, 2022 Vol.7 No.4, pp.343 - 365

Received: 30 Oct 2020
Accepted: 23 Jan 2021

Published online: 01 Jul 2022 *

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