POSSIBILITIES FOR CONSERVING NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT THROUGH THE USE OF RECYCLED WASTE AGGREGATES AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR NATURAL AGGREGATES IN CEMENTITIOUS COMPOSITES

Abstract

The conservation of the environment and the protection of natural resources are urgent and current challenges. The objective of this experimental investigation was to evaluate the potential use of aggregates derived from recycled glass waste, blast furnace slag, recycled brick waste aggregates and recycled electronic waste aggregates (textolite) as replacements for natural aggregates in cement-based composites. The experimental tests aimed to investigate how the replacement of natural aggregates with recycled waste aggregates affects various physico-mechanical parameters, including density, compressive strength, flexural strength, abrasion resistance and capillary water absorption. This investigation also included detailed microstructural analysis using optical microscopy, SEM, EDX and XRD techniques. The aim of the research was to explore the potential for soil conservation by reducing the amount of waste to be disposed of, and at the same time to conserve natural resources by identifying alternatives using recycled materials, thereby contributing to the implementation of the circular economy concept. The results of the research confirmed this potential; however, depending on the nature of the recycled aggregates, there are influences on the physico-mechanical performance of the cement composite that can be seen at the microstructural level.