Development of low-carbon recycled aggregate concrete using carbonation treatment and alccofine

Abstract

Since the construction industry is one of the major sectors responsible for the overexploitation of natural resources and the production of greenhouse gases, there is an urgent need to adopt a sustainable and environmental friendly approach to mitigate climate degradation. Research has explored the potential of recycled aggregate (RA) as a viable alternative to natural aggregate in concrete production. Currently, several treatment methods are being employed to enhance the efficient incorporation of RA into concrete, aiming to address this issue. However, the effective utilization of RA in place of NA remains uncommon. In this study, an effort has been made to develop a low-carbon recycled aggregate concrete by utilizing 100% carbonation treated recycled coarse concrete aggregate (CRCCA) in place of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) and alccofine as mineral admixture. A comprehensive analysis was performed, comparing the properties of CRCCA to those of untreated recycled coarse concrete aggregate. This analysis covered changes in weight, bulk density, water absorption, crushing value, and microstructure. Furthermore, five different concrete mixes were prepared, each varying in the proportion of natural coarse aggregate (NCA), untreated RCCA, and CRCCA. These mixes also incorporated alccofine as a mineral admixture. The evaluation process involved assessing the effectiveness of carbonation treatment and alccofine addition through tests on the workability, water absorption, density, and compressive strength of the concrete mixes. The study demonstrated that carbonation treatment of RCCA resulted in substantial improvements in crushing value and water absorption of CRCCA, alongside enhanced workability, reduced water absorption, and increased density in CRCCA concrete. Moreover, CRCCA concrete exhibited notable compressive strength gains at both 28 and 90 days compared to untreated RCCA concrete. Furthermore, the use of CRCCA and alccofine contributed to reducing GHG emissions associated with cement production, emphasizing the environmentally friendly attributes of this low-carbon concrete formulation.

Keywords

Low-carbon concrete / Eco-friendly concrete / Carbonated recycled aggregate / Alccofine

References

[1] Akbarnezhad A, Ong KCG, Zhang MH Microwave-assisted beneficiation of recycled concrete aggregates. Constr Build Mater, 2011, 25: 3469-3479

[2] Al-Bayati HKA, Das PK, Tighe SL, Baaj H. Evaluation of various treatment methods for enhancing the physical and morphological properties of coarse recycled concrete aggregate. Constr Build Mater, 2016, 112: 284-298

[3] ASTM C642–13 (2013) Standard test method for density, absorption, and voids in hardened concrete, PA, USA

[4] BIS 10262 (2009) Concrete mix proportioning guidelines, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India

[5] BIS 1199 (1959) Methods of sampling and analysis of concrete, New Delhi, India

[6] BIS 516 (2004) Method of tests for strength of concrete. Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi, India

[7] Corinaldesi V, Moriconi G. Influence of mineral additions on the performance of 100% recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater, 2009, 23: 2869-2876

[8] Dang Y, Shi X, Qian J Statistical characteristics of microhardness of hardened cement paste. J Wuhan Univ Technol Sci Ed, 2018, 33: 924-931

[9] de Andrade SF, de Andrade SF. Recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste towards an application on structural concrete: a review. J Build Eng, 2022, 52: 104452

[10] Ding T, Xiao J, Tam VWY. A closed-loop life cycle assessment of recycled aggregate concrete utilization in China. Waste Manag, 2016, 56: 367-375

[11] Fernández Bertos M, Simons SJR, Hills CD, Carey PJ. A review of accelerated carbonation technology in the treatment of cement-based materials and sequestration of CO₂. J Hazard Mater, 2004, 112: 193-205

[12] Gholizadeh-Vayghan A, Bellinkx A, Snellings R The effects of carbonation conditions on the physical and microstructural properties of recycled concrete coarse aggregates. Constr Build Mater, 2020, 257: 119486

[13] Hossain MU, Poon CS, Lo IMC, Cheng JCP. Comparative environmental evaluation of aggregate production from recycled waste materials and virgin sources by LCA. Resour Conserv Recycl, 2016, 109: 67-77

[14] Ipavec A, Gabrovšek R, Vuk T Carboaluminate phases formation during the hydration of calcite-containing Portland cement. J Am Ceram Soc, 2011, 94: 1238-1242

[15] Iwase K, Mori K. Crystal structure, microhardness, and toughness of biomineral CaCO₃. Cryst Growth Des, 2020, 20: 2091-2098

[16] Jariwala AA, Dipak D, Rana A, et al (2016) Experimental study on the enhancement in concrete due to the ultra-fine particles. Global Res Dev J Eng, 138–141

[17] Jasani KS, Manivel S, Kumar GS. An experimental investigation on strength properties of alccofine 1203 along with recycle aggregate in concrete. Int J Civ Eng Technol, 2018, 9: 138-148

[18] Jiake Z, Caijun S, Yake L Performance enhancement of recycled concrete aggregates through carbonation. J Mater Civ Eng, 2015, 27: 4015029

[19] Jiménez LF, Domínguez JA, Vega-Azamar RE. Carbon footprint of recycled aggregate concrete. Adv Civ Eng, 2018, 2018: 7949741

[20] Jindal BB. Investigations on the properties of geopolymer mortar and concrete with mineral admixtures: a review. Constr Build Mater, 2019, 227: 116644

[21] Jindal BB, Singhal D, Sharma S Strength and permeation properties of alccofine activated low calcium fly ash geopolymer concrete. Comput Concr, 2017, 20: 683-688

[22] Karthik CH, Nagaraju A (2023) An experimental study on recycled aggregate concrete with partial replacement of cement with flyash and alccofine. In: IOP conference series: earth and environmental science

[23] Kasai Y. Development and subjects of recycled aggregate concrete in Japan. Key Eng Mater, 2006, 302–303: 288-300

[24] Katerusha D. Barriers to the use of recycled concrete from the perspective of executing companies and possible solution approaches—case study Germany and Switzerland. Resour Policy, 2021, 73: 102212

[25] Katerusha D. Attitude towards sustainability, study contents and the use of recycled concrete in building construction—case study Germany and Switzerland. J Clean Prod, 2021, 289: 125688

[26] Katerusha D. Investigation of the optimal price for recycled aggregate concrete—an experimental approach. J Clean Prod, 2022, 365: 132857

[27] Katz A. Treatments for the improvement of recycled aggregate. J Mater Civ Eng, 2004, 16: 597-603

[28] Kikuchi T, Kuroda Y. Carbon dioxide uptake in demolished and crushed concrete. J Adv Concr Technol, 2011, 9: 115-124

[29] Kisku N, Joshi H, Ansari M A critical review and assessment for usage of recycled aggregate as sustainable construction material. Constr Build Mater, 2017, 131: 721-740

[30] Kou S-C, Poon C-S. Properties of concrete prepared with PVA-impregnated recycled concrete aggregates. Cem Concr Compos, 2010, 32: 649-654

[31] Kou SC, Poon CS. Enhancing the durability properties of concrete prepared with coarse recycled aggregate. Constr Build Mater, 2012, 35: 69-76

[32] Kou S, Poon C, Agrela F. Comparisons of natural and recycled aggregate concretes prepared with the addition of different mineral admixtures. Cem Concr Compos, 2011, 33: 788-795

[33] Kou S-C, Zhan B, Poon C-S. Use of a CO2 curing step to improve the properties of concrete prepared with recycled aggregates. Cem Concr Compos, 2014, 45: 22-28

[34] Li J, Xiao H, Zhou Y. Influence of coating recycled aggregate surface with pozzolanic powder on properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater, 2009, 23: 1287-1291

[35] Li W, Long C, Tam VWY Effects of nano-particles on failure process and microstructural properties of recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater, 2017, 142: 42-50

[36] Liu S, Yan P. Hydration properties of limestone powder in complex binding material. Kuei Suan Jen Hsueh Pao/ J Chin Ceram Soc, 2008, 36: 1401-1405

[37] Lockrey S, Nguyen H, Crossin E, Verghese K. Recycling the construction and demolition waste in Vietnam: opportunities and challenges in practice. J Clean Prod, 2016, 133: 757-766

[38] Lu B, Shi C, Zhang J, Wang J. Effects of carbonated hardened cement paste powder on hydration and microstructure of Portland cement. Constr Build Mater, 2018, 186: 699-708

[39] Lu B, Shi C, Cao Z Effect of carbonated coarse recycled concrete aggregate on the properties and microstructure of recycled concrete. J Clean Prod, 2019, 233: 421-428

[40] Lu Z, Tan Q, Lin J, Wang D. Properties investigation of recycled aggregates and concrete modified by accelerated carbonation through increased temperature. Constr Build Mater, 2022, 341: 127813

[41] Marinković S, Radonjanin V, Malešev M, Ignjatović I. Comparative environmental assessment of natural and recycled aggregate concrete. Waste Manag, 2010, 30: 2255-2264

[42] Monkman S, Shao Y. Integration of carbon sequestration into curing process of precast concrete. Can J Civ Eng, 2010, 37: 302-310

[43] Muduli R, Mukharjee BB. Performance assessment of concrete incorporating recycled coarse aggregates and metakaolin: a systematic approach. Constr Build Mater, 2020, 233: 117223

[44] Nagataki S, Gokce A, Saeki T, Hisada M. Assessment of recycling process induced damage sensitivity of recycled concrete aggregates. Cem Concr Res, 2004, 34: 965-971

[45] Ouyang K, Liu J, Liu S Influence of pre-treatment methods for recycled concrete aggregate on the performance of recycled concrete: A review. Resour Conserv Recycl, 2023, 188: 106717

[46] Peter MA, Muntean A, Meier SA, Böhm M. Competition of several carbonation reactions in concrete: a parametric study. Cem Concr Res, 2008, 38: 1385-1393

[47] Phung QT, Maes N, Jacques D Effect of limestone fillers on microstructure and permeability due to carbonation of cement pastes under controlled CO₂ pressure conditions. Constr Build Mater, 2015, 82: 376-390

[48] Pu Y, Li L, Wang Q Accelerated carbonation technology for enhanced treatment of recycled concrete aggregates: a state-of-the-art review. Constr Build Mater, 2021, 282: 122671

[49] Qiu J, Tng DQS, Yang E-H. Surface treatment of recycled concrete aggregates through microbial carbonate precipitation. Constr Build Mater, 2014, 57: 144-150

[50] Quattrone M, Angulo SC, John VM. Energy and CO2 from high performance recycled aggregate production. Resour Conserv Recycl, 2014, 90: 21-33

[51] Radonjanin V, Malešev M, Marinković S, Al Malty AES. Green recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater, 2013, 47: 1503-1511

[52] Romano MC, Spinelli M, Campanari S The Calcium Looping Process for Low CO2 Emission Cement and Power. Energy Proc, 2013, 37: 7091-7099

[53] Russo N, Lollini F. Effect of carbonated recycled coarse aggregates on the mechanical and durability properties of concrete. J Build Eng, 2022, 51: 104290

[54] Safiuddin M, Alengaram UJ, Rahman MM, Salam MA, Jumaat MZ. Use of recycled concrete aggregate in concrete: a review. J Civ Eng Manag, 2013, 19: 796-810

[55] Sakthivel S, Jagadeesan S. Flexural performance of recycled coarse beams made with recycled coarse aggregate incorporating alccofine. J Environ Prot Ecol, 2022, 23: 119-129

[56] Santhoshkumar S, Saravanan J. Mechanical property of recycled aggregate concrete incorporating alccofine with river sand and m-sand. J Balk Tribol Assoc, 2022, 28: 52-64

[57] Shayan A, Xu A. Performance and properties of structural concrete made with recycled concrete aggregate. ACI Mater J, 2003, 100: 371-380

[58] Shi C, Li Y, Zhang J Performance enhancement of recycled concrete aggregate—a review. J Clean Prod, 2016, 112: 466-472

[59] Spaeth V, DjerbiTegguer A. Improvement of recycled concrete aggregate properties by polymer treatments. Int J Sustain Built Environ, 2013, 2: 143-152

[60] Tam VWY, Tam CM. Diversifying two-stage mixing approach (TSMA) for recycled aggregate concrete: TSMAs and TSMAsc. Constr Build Mater, 2008, 22: 2068-2077

[61] Tam VWY, Tam CM, Le KN. Removal of cement mortar remains from recycled aggregate using pre-soaking approaches. Resour Conserv Recycl, 2007, 50: 82-101

[62] Thiery M, Dangla P, Belin P Carbonation kinetics of a bed of recycled concrete aggregates: a laboratory study on model materials. Cem Concr Res, 2013, 46: 50-65

[63] Tsujino M, Noguchi T, Tamura M Application of conventionally recycled coarse aggregate to concrete structure by surface modification treatment. J Adv Concr Technol, 2007, 5: 13-25

[64] Tung TM, Babalola OE, Le D-H. Experimental investigation of the performance of ground granulated blast furnace slag blended recycled aggregate concrete exposed to elevated temperatures. Clean Waste Syst, 2023, 4: 100069

[65] Wang L, Wang J, Qian X An environmentally friendly method to improve the quality of recycled concrete aggregates. Constr Build Mater, 2017, 144: 432-441

[66] Wang Y, Liu F, Xu L, Zhao H. Effect of elevated temperatures and cooling methods on strength of concrete made with coarse and fine recycled concrete aggregates. Constr Build Mater, 2019, 210: 540-547

[67] Wang J, Che Z, Zhang K Performance of recycled aggregate concrete with supplementary cementitious materials (fly ash, GBFS, silica fume, and metakaolin): Mechanical properties, pore structure, and water absorption. Constr Build Mater, 2023, 368: 130455

[68] Xiao J, Ding T. Research on recycled concrete and its utilization in building structures in China. Front Struct Civ Eng, 2013, 7: 215-226

[69] Xuan D, Zhan B, Poon CS. Assessment of mechanical properties of concrete incorporating carbonated recycled concrete aggregates. Cem Concr Compos, 2016, 65: 67-74

[70] Yaba HK, Naji HS, Younis KH, Ibrahim TK. Compressive and flexural strengths of recycled aggregate concrete: effect of different contents of metakaolin. Mater Today Proc, 2021, 45: 4719-4723

[71] Yildirim ST, Meyer C, Herfellner S. Effects of internal curing on the strength, drying shrinkage and freeze–thaw resistance of concrete containing recycled concrete aggregates. Constr Build Mater, 2015, 91: 288-296

[72] Zeng W, Zhao Y, Poon CS Using microbial carbonate precipitation to improve the properties of recycled aggregate. Constr Build Mater, 2019, 228: 116743

[73] Zhan B, Poon CS, Liu Q Experimental study on CO2 curing for enhancement of recycled aggregate properties. Constr Build Mater, 2014, 67: 3-7

[74] Zhang C, Hu M, Di Maio F An overview of the waste hierarchy framework for analyzing the circularity in construction and demolition waste management in Europe. Sci Total Environ, 2022, 803: 149892

[75] Zheng Y, Zhuo J, Zhang P. A review on durability of nano-SiO2 and basalt fiber modified recycled aggregate concrete. Constr Build Mater, 2021, 304: 124659