Wastes as Aggregates, Binders or Additions in Mortars: Selecting Their Role Based on Characterization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering

Background:

• Growing waste generation necessitates sustainable disposal alternatives beyond landfilling.
• Incorporating industrial waste into cement-based materials offers a viable recycling and recovery solution.
• Understanding waste particle characteristics is crucial for effective integration into construction materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of seven diverse industrial wastes.
• To identify the most suitable methods for incorporating these wastes into cementitious mortars.
• To evaluate the potential of industrial wastes for reuse and recycling in construction applications.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of seven industrial wastes: biomass ashes, glass fiber, reinforced polymer dust, sanitary ware, fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) waste, acrylic fiber, textile fiber, and glass fiber.
• Characterization of waste particles to understand their properties.
• Evaluation of incorporation strategies for mortars based on waste characteristics.

Main Results:

• Detailed characterization of the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of each industrial waste.
• Identification of specific advantages and characteristics of each waste material for potential use.
• Discussion on the optimal methods for introducing these wastes into mortar formulations.

Conclusions:

• Industrial wastes possess properties that can be leveraged for incorporation into cement-based materials.
• Particle characterization is essential for determining the most advantageous application of waste materials in mortars.
• This research provides a foundation for the effective reuse and recycling of industrial wastes in construction, mitigating landfill burden.