Economic Aspects of Ceramic Waste Recycling through Its Use as Aggregate in Mineral-Asphalt Mixtures

Abstract

Subject and purpose of work: This article is a continuation of ongoing research; whose primary aim was to show ceramic waste as a full-value substrate for the production of mineral-asphalt mixtures. The authors, basing on the examined characteristics of aggregate obtained in the process of crushing the socalled “ceramic cullet”, present the thesis that this material can be a full-fledged aggregate for concretes used in road construction. The authors emphasize ecological advantages of such a solution. The purpose of this research was to analyse whether such measures as those described above are economically justifiable. Materials and methods: In the article, based on business data, the costs were estimated and compared to the prices of the aggregates used by companies producing asphalt mixtures. Results: Economic comparisons have shown that the costs of described recycling were not satisfactory. Conclusions: Taking into account the ecological effect, it is recommended that ceramic waste is recycled by using it for the production of mineral-asphalt mixes for general use.

Keywords

• mineral-asphalt mixes
• recycling aggregates
• ceramic waste