Some construction companies face a major challenge: efficient management of concrete waste generated in processes such as the cleaning of concrete mixers or the stripping of formwork. This waste, often of high quality, represents not only an environmental problem, but also a significant cost for companies. To illustrate its magnitude, a medium-sized plant can generate more than 1,000 tonnes of waste per year!
The removal of such waste involves a double cost emissions and the inefficient use of natural resources, and the environmental costs for companies: the economic costs associated with transport and landfill management, and the environmental costs due to CO₂ emissions and inefficient use of natural resources. Implementing an on-site recycling system usually represents a minimal initial investment that can be quickly amortised thanks to the reduction of these costs.
Sustainability of the process
The The product of the recycling process is a recycled aggregate. whose use helps to reduce the extraction of virgin materials, conserving non-renewable resources.
In the current context of increasing demand for waste reuse and sustainability in the construction sector, this efficient management is positioned for many companies as a key aspect to reduce both environmental impact and associated costs.
Characterisation and Evaluation
The use of these materials is not an improvised process. It requires a rigorous characterisation of raw materials and new materials producedby evaluating critical properties such as particle size, density, strength and contaminant content. These parameters determine the quality of the recycled aggregate and allow the optimal percentage of replacement in concrete mixes to be established.
Going into more detail, some studies have shown that up to a 20-30% of recycled aggregate can be incorporated without significantly compromising mechanical properties in less demanding structural applications, or even in non-structural precast products such as kerbs or pavers. However, each material must be carefully evaluated to ensure good performance of the final product.
Conclusion
The integration of recycled concrete waste in production processes is not only feasible, but essential to move towards a more sustainable model in construction.
At CTCON we have been helping companies in the sector for more than 20 years with studies of this type, which fortunately new environmental policies are making more frequent every day. As we have seen, these practices not only contribute to caring for the environment, but also optimise resources and generate tangible economic benefits.
For further information, please contact: info@ctcon-rm.com
