Recycled Concrete: Technologies and Performance

Recycled Concrete: Technologies and Performance is a book that discusses the latest technologies to produce high-quality recycled aggregate for structural concrete and alternative binders, evaluating their environmental impacts and lifecycle assessment. It is valuable for engineers, industry managers, and researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 386 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2022
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Recycled Concrete: Technologies and Performance delves into the cutting-edge technologies that are revolutionizing the production of high-quality recycled aggregate for use in structural concrete and alternative binders like Geopolymer. This comprehensive book explores the comprehensive lifecycle assessment of implementing sustainable construction technologies, while also evaluating the environmental impacts of recycled concrete in various construction applications. It sheds light on their effective utilization in the manufacturing of durable recycled concrete, their significant reduction in environmental footprints, innovative quality improvement techniques, and other crucial aspects. With its valuable insights and timely information, Recycled Concrete: Technologies and Performance serves as a indispensable resource for civil and structural engineers, recycle industry managers, ready-mix and precast concrete producers, and researchers alike.

The utilization of recycled concrete in construction has gained significant attention in recent years due to its numerous benefits. One of the primary advantages of recycled concrete is its ability to reduce the demand for virgin aggregate, thereby conserving natural resources. By recycling concrete waste, such as concrete pavement, demolition debris, or abandoned structures, we can minimize the extraction of new raw materials from quarries and mines. This not only helps to preserve the environment but also reduces the associated environmental impacts, including transportation emissions and habitat destruction.

In addition to its environmental benefits, recycled concrete offers several performance advantages. It can be used as a replacement for traditional concrete in structural applications, providing similar strength and durability. Recycled concrete can also be tailored to meet specific requirements, such as high-performance concrete or concrete with specific properties for specific applications. This flexibility allows for greater design freedom and customization, making it an attractive option for architects, engineers, and contractors.

One of the key technologies involved in the production of recycled concrete is the use of crushing and screening equipment. These machines are designed to break down the concrete into smaller particles, which can then be reused in the manufacturing process. The quality of the recycled aggregate is crucial for the performance of the final product. Proper sorting and grading of the recycled materials can help to ensure that the aggregate meets the required specifications for structural concrete.

Another important technology is the use of additives and admixtures. These substances are added to the recycled concrete mixture to enhance its properties and improve its performance. Additives such as fly ash, silica fume, and slag can help to increase the strength and durability of the concrete, while admixtures such as superplasticizers and water reducers can improve its workability and reduce the amount of water required for mixing.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of alternative binders in concrete, such as Geopolymer. Geopolymer is a type of concrete made from industrial waste materials, such as fly ash, ash, and silica fume. It has several advantages over traditional concrete, including a lower carbon footprint, greater durability, and improved fire resistance.

Recycled concrete can be used in combination with Geopolymer to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly concrete mixture. The use of recycled aggregate in Geopolymer concrete can help to reduce the amount of virgin raw materials required, while the addition of recycled concrete can improve the strength and durability of the final product.

In conclusion, recycled concrete offers a promising solution for sustainable construction. By reducing the demand for virgin aggregate, conserving natural resources, and minimizing environmental impacts, recycled concrete can help to build a more sustainable future. With the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovative approaches, recycled concrete can be used to produce high-quality structural concrete and alternative binders, providing a durable and environmentally friendly solution for construction applications.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323852104