Utilization of Construction and Demolition Waste for Sustainable Masonry: Experimental Analysis and Microstructural Insights

Document Type : Regular Paper

Authors

1 Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru-570006, India

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Construction Technology and Management, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru-570006, India

3 Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering, JSS Science and Technology University, Mysuru-570006, India

Abstract

Construction is an ever-growing industry that significantly contributes to the global economy and provides infrastructure for many diversified sectors such as housing, transportation, water supply, irrigation, and many other projects. The construction of these projects leads to increased demand for conventional materials in the form of bricks, cement, steel, aggregates, and so on, which has adversely impacted the environment. It has become inevitable for construction professionals to look for energy-efficient sustainable alternatives for conventional building materials. In the present experimental work, the authors have used construction waste as a sustainable alternative by replacing conventional materials partially or completely in masonry units. Construction wastes collected from nearby dump yards are segregated and processed to get the recycled aggregates which are later tested for quality. These aggregates and binders are proportioned to cast stabilized blocks having different engineering properties. These blocks when tested in compression at 7,14 and 28 days, have resulted in strengths in the range of 2.82 MPa to 6.82 MPa. The blocks exhibiting higher strengths were further tested for physical, mechanical, and durability properties namely dimension, density, water absorption, scratch, and efflorescence. In addition, these blocks and the basic materials are tested for their microanalysis through SEM, XRD, and FTIR. Finally, prisms are cast and tested as a masonry unit at 7,14, and 28 days. These blocks showed a maximum dry compressive strength of 4.1 MPa. From the study, it is observed that the stabilized recycled aggregate with 10% cement binder has resulted in acceptable alternative blocks having good engineering properties. The same is presented in the graphical abstract as well.

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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 March 2025
  • Receive Date: 14 December 2024
  • Revise Date: 06 January 2025
  • Accept Date: 09 March 2025