CERAMIC

The construction industry faces a dual challenge: balancing environmental sustainability with structural performance. Recycled concrete (RC) emerges as a promising solution to reduce the use of natural aggregates and valorize construction waste, thereby contributing to the circular economy. However, its large-scale adoption is hindered by its susceptibility to shrinkage cracking, a problem linked to the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), a critical interface between recycled aggregates and cement paste. This fragility compromises the material's durability and strength, posing a major technical challenge for businesses and public stakeholders.

The main objective of the project is to control shrinkage cracking in recycled concrete by strengthening the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) and improving the material's durability. To achieve this, the project combines advanced numerical modeling (Peridynamics) and experimental validation. Peridynamics, a non-local method, enables precise simulation of cracking in heterogeneous materials like RC, focusing on the ITZ at the mesoscopic scale. This innovative approach goes beyond existing practices by providing scientifically validated solutions applicable at an industrial scale.

The University of Liège (Belgium) contributes expertise in low-carbon materials and circular economy, while the Centrale Lille (France) provides input on numerical modeling and simulation of cracking mechanisms.

Coordonnateurs: Prof. Y. Jia (Université de Lille)

Partenaires: Prof. Luc Courard and Dr. A. Fanara (ULiège)

Financement : budget total du projet: 50.000 €.

Durée: 18 mois (début Décembre 2025)