article · Buildings
Thermoactivated recycled concrete cement, produced from processed concrete waste, can serve as a partial replacement for ordinary cement in mortar. Evaluations of replacement levels from 0% to 50% in 10% increments examined fresh, mechanical, microstructural, and durability characteristics. Increasing the proportion of recycled material reduces the flow and workability of fresh mortar. In contrast, mechanical performance peaks at a 20% replacement level, yielding improved compressive strength, higher bulk density, and increased ultrasonic pulse velocity. Microstructural assessments demonstrate that this mixture develops a denser internal matrix and advantageous thermal properties, directly contributing to enhanced durability. Utilising this recycled alternative significantly decreases the carbon footprint tied to conventional cement manufacturing while encouraging circular economy practices within the construction sector.
Cement production generates substantial carbon emissions, making sustainable alternatives vital for modern construction. Demonstrating that recycled concrete waste can replace up to 20% of traditional cement while improving strength and durability provides an actionable path toward decarbonising building materials. This approach diverts demolition waste from landfill and lowers industrial environmental impacts.
This work presents an applied, laboratory-tested formulation relevant to cement manufacturers, concrete recyclers, and construction contractors aiming to supply lower-carbon building materials. The technology enables the production of structural mortar using concrete waste streams. Moving toward commercialisation will require establishing industrial-scale thermoactivation processes and testing the material in real-world construction environments.
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The effects of thermoactivated recycled concrete cement (TARC) on mortar as a partial replacement for cement was examined. TARC is derived from concrete waste through a series of processes. Different mortar mixtures were tested, ranging from 0% to 50% TARC in 10% increments. A comprehensive range of tests was conducted to assess the properties of the mortar, including fresh, mechanical, microstructure, and durability evaluations. The fresh test indicated that the incorporation of TARC impacted the flow of mortar, leading to reduced workability as the percentage of replacement increased. Regarding mechanical performance, using 20% TARC resulted in improved compressive strength, bulk density, and ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV). Microstructural analysis using thermogravimetry, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed that the TARC mix exhibited advantageous thermal properties, enhanced FTIR spectra, and a denser microstructure, thereby enhancing the durability of the mortar. Overall, substituting OPC with TARC significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with cement production, promoting sustainability and contributing to a circular economy in the construction industry.
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DOI: 10.3390/buildings13092209
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