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An eco-friendly solution for construction and demolition waste: Recycled coarse aggregate with CO2 utilization
Qiang Yuan1, Jiaoling Zhang1, Suhui Zhang1
1School of Civil Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410075, China; National Engineering Research Center of High-Speed Railway Construction Technology, Changsha 410075, China.
Carbonating recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) with carbon dioxide (CO2) offers an eco-friendly method for construction waste recycling. This process enhances aggregate properties and improves recycled concrete performance, while offering significant environmental benefits.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Environmental Engineering
- Sustainable Construction
Background:
- Construction and demolition waste presents a significant environmental challenge.
- Recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) is a viable alternative to natural aggregates, but its properties can be limiting.
- Carbonation offers a promising method to improve RCA quality and promote waste valorization.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively review the utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) in the treatment of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA).
- To analyze the enhancement of physical properties and performance of recycled concrete incorporating carbonized RCA.
- To evaluate the environmental benefits and future prospects of CO2-treated RCA.
Main Methods:
- Systematic summarization of the carbonation mechanism in RCA.
- Discussion of various CO2 treatment methods for RCA and CO2 sequestration calculations.
- Analysis of physical property enhancement, microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability of carbonized RCA and recycled concrete.
Main Results:
- CO2 treatment effectively enhances the physical properties of RCA.
- Recycled concrete containing carbonized RCA shows improved microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability.
- The carbon footprint, accounting, and intensity of carbonized RCA demonstrate significant environmental benefits.
Conclusions:
- Carbonation of RCA is an effective eco-friendly technology for construction waste recycling.
- CO2 utilization in RCA improves material performance and offers substantial environmental advantages.
- Further research into CO2-treated RCA holds promise for sustainable construction practices.
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