Environmental and Mechanical assessment of concrete made with construction and Demolition waste

Abstract

The rapid increase in construction and demolition (C&D) waste has posed serious environmental concerns, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management and efficient use of natural resources. This study examines both the environmental and mechanical behavior of concrete prepared using recycled materials obtained from construction and demolition waste. In this investigation, natural aggregates were partially substituted with recycled aggregates produced from processed C&D waste at different replacement ratios. The mechanical characteristics of the concrete, such as compressive strength, split tensile strength, and flexural strength, were tested at various curing periods to evaluate its structural suitability. Furthermore, an environmental analysis was conducted by assessing the reduction in natural resource usage, landfill disposal, and carbon emissions achieved through the incorporation of recycled materials. The findings revealed that concrete containing optimal amounts of recycled aggregates achieved mechanical performance comparable to that of conventional concrete, while also minimizing environmental impacts. Overall, the study demonstrates that the use of construction and demolition waste in concrete production is an effective and sustainable alternative to traditional materials, supporting resource conservation and environmental sustainability in the construction sector.