Cement-free mortars based on aggregates from Construction and Demolition Wastes

Agnese Attanasio, Alessandro Largo

This study outlines research activities, carried out in the European RE4 project, on the development of normal-weight and light-weight mortars consisting of a PFA/GGBS binder combined with aggregates from CDW (e.g. mineral fractions, heterogeneous rigid plastics, mixed wood/plastic). The aim of the study was the assessment of the alkali activated PFA/GGBS binder compatibility with different CDW aggregates thus producing cement-free mortars. Materials (PFA and GGBS, used to replace cement, and CDW used as aggregates) have been fully characterized (e.g. morphological, chemical and physical testing). The design of the PFA/GGBS binder has been at first optimised and, then, combined with different CDW aggregates for mortars production. Technical performance (e.g. consistency, density, flexural strength, compressive strength and thermal conductivity) of the optimised mortars have been finally assessed. The developed formulations, integrating recycled materials used as both binder and aggregate, represent sustainable and cost-efficient solutions and also encourage the use of recycled materials, often disposed since they do no have specific applications, in the building sector. 

Keywords: Cement-free binders, Construction and Demolition Wastes aggregates, Green building materials, Circular economy, Materials recycling   

Proscience vol. 6

Pp 1-6

doi: 10.14644/mms.2018.001