From Waste to Resource – Utilising Residue from Ready-Made Concrete as New Aggregate

Abstract

A new admixture is available, to reduce the sludge produced from the cleansing of production and transportation equipment in the fresh concrete industry. The result is agglomerations of hardening concrete, that might be utilised for aggregate. Utilisation depends on adequate properties. This paper reports from investigations on the physical and mechanical properties of the aggregate and discussions on the performance relative to natural and recycled aggregates and towards requirements for utilisation. The findings indicate substantial potential for utilisation, supporting the reduction of waste for deposit and development of the concrete industry towards a circular economy.

Keywords

• recycled aggregate
• admixture
• waste reduction
• circular economy