VALDEM: Design and properties of self compacting concrete based on recycled fine particles

During the last few years, the construction sector has greatly evolved and the reuse of construction and demolition wastes (C&DW) became a very important purpose for protecting environment and saving natural aggregates.

 

Recycled materials (C&DW) are not enough used in the construction sector because of fine particles likely to induce water caption and freezing. These fine particles are composed of adherent hardened cement paste and aggregates: the main goal of this research is to use them in the design of new concrete, such as self- compacting concrete (SCC), which is a concrete able to consolidate under its own weight.

Figure 1: The volumetric ratio proportions of regular concrete versus self-compacting concrete

The design of SCC let us to use huge quantity of fine particles in order to assure a good workability. A specific physical, chemical and mineralogical characterization of these fine particles is planned in order to understand the behaviour of this type of material; rheological and mechanical properties will be afterwards determined and durability evaluation will allow verifying long term behaviour.

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