Zeolite Tuff and Recycled Ceramic Sanitary Ware Aggregate in Production of Concrete

The article presents the results of research on the use of ceramic ware waste as aggregate in concrete production. Four concrete mixtures with aluminous cement were prepared, each with a different admixture of clinoptilolite. The only used aggregate was crushed waste ceramic sanitary ware obtained from a Polish sanitary fixture production plant. As part of the studies, a compressive test of cubic samples at different curing times ranging from 7 to 90 days was performed. Prior to the preparation of the samples, a sieve analysis and an elemental analysis of the obtained aggregate were conducted. In the framework of the testing, the bimodal distribution of clinoptilolite grains was determined, as well as its chemical composition. The conducted compressive tests demonstrated high strength of concrete containing ceramic aggregate and aluminous cement with an addition of clinoptilolite. In order to determine the impact that adding zeolite exerts on the phase composition and the structure of concrete samples, an analysis of the phase composition (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy examination (SEM) were performed. Furthermore, tests of abrasion, water penetration under pressure and frost resistance were conducted, determining particular properties of the designed mixtures. The abrasion tests have confirmed that the mixtures are highly abrasion-resistant and can be used as a topcoat concrete layer. The conducted tests of selected properties have confirmed the possibility of using waste ceramic cullet and a mineral addition of clinoptilolite in concrete production.

Properties of concrete manufactured with use of ceramic sanitary ware waste as aggregate

ABSTRACT In concrete manufacture, cement (Portland type is the most used), water and aggregates (classified into coarse and fine) are used. With the use of several raw materials the generation of waste is inevitable, both in construction and in other sectors, such as the industries producing ceramic materials. Among the types of waste from such industries, can be mentioned the ceramic scrap (from the sanitary ware industry). According to the above, the aim of this research was to study the addition of ceramic scrap as a coarse aggregate in different proportions in the concrete formulation. In order to do this, was select wastes from an industry in the south of Minas Gerais (Brazil), and prepare specimens to determine the fresh (slump test, adhesiveness and porosity) and hardened (compression strength) of concrete. Were fabricated five concrete formulations, one reference (RC) and four with ceramic scrap substituted for coarse aggregate in the proportions of 25% (CSC-I), 50% (CSC-II), 75% (CSC-III) and 100% (CSC -IV). Fresh concretes, two formulations did not show adhesiveness (CSC-III and CSC-IV) and two a small water runoff (CSC-I and CSC-II), however, without compromising the concrete’s workability. Regarding the compression strength, the average values presented were very good, including the formulation with 100% ceramic scrap (fc = 47.78 MPa). Another important aspect observed in the rupture modes was the small adhesion between the ceramic scrap and the mortar due to the glazing in the contour of the waste. As for the porosity of the concretes, those with 25%, 75% and 100% of ceramic scrap in their composition presented lower values than the reference concrete.