Ceramic ware waste as coarse aggregate for structural concrete production.

The ceramic industry generates substantial waste, with 5% to 8% of output lost as byproducts. Disposal of this waste poses environmental and economic challenges. Prior research has shown that ceramic waste can be repurposed in construction materials. However, no prior work had resolved how to integrate ceramic waste into structural concrete. This gap motivated a study to assess the viability of ceramic waste as a replacement for natural aggregates. Current legislation sets standards for concrete materials, including aggregate properties. Meeting these standards is essential for structural applications. The study aimed to determine if ceramic waste could satisfy these requirements. This research contributes to sustainable construction practices by exploring waste reuse.

The study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using ceramic industry waste as a replacement for conventional coarse aggregates in structural concrete. The specific problem addressed was the lack of sustainable solutions for ceramic waste disposal. The motivation stemmed from the need to reduce landfill use and promote circular economy principles. Researchers sought to determine if ceramic waste could meet technical requirements for concrete. The goal was to produce concrete with mechanical properties comparable to traditional mixes. The study tested the hypothesis that ceramic aggregate could replace gravel without compromising strength. This approach aligns with broader efforts to incorporate industrial byproducts into construction. The findings could inform waste management strategies in the ceramic sector.

The study compared control and recycled concrete mixes. The control mix used conventional gravel as coarse aggregate. The recycled mix replaced 100% of the gravel with ceramic waste. Both mixes followed the same preparation protocol. Mechanical properties were tested according to EHE-08 standards. The ceramic aggregate was evaluated for compliance with technical requirements. Tests included compressive strength and other relevant mechanical indicators. The comparison focused on whether ceramic aggregate could match natural aggregate performance.

The recycled concrete mix showed mechanical properties equal to the control mix. Compressive strength values were within acceptable ranges per EHE-08. No significant differences were observed between the two types of concrete. The ceramic aggregate met all technical requirements for structural use. The results suggest that ceramic waste can replace natural aggregates without loss of performance. The study found no evidence of reduced durability or structural integrity. These findings support the use of ceramic waste in concrete production. The results indicate that ceramic aggregate is a viable alternative to conventional materials.

The study concludes that ceramic waste can replace conventional aggregates in structural concrete. The mechanical properties of the recycled mix matched those of the control mix. This outcome supports the feasibility of using ceramic waste in construction. The findings align with the goal of sustainable waste management. The results suggest that ceramic aggregate meets all technical requirements. The study does not propose that this is the only viable solution. The authors suggest that this approach could reduce waste disposal costs. The study does not claim this is the most cost-effective method, but it is a feasible alternative.