Investigation of the Grinding Parameters on the Pozzolanic Properties of Construction and Demolition Waste

Abstract

The accumulation of construction debris waste (CWD) and disaster wastes in the environment causes environmental degradation and natural resources are consumed for the reconstruction of demolished areas. Construction demolition wastes contain different types of materials due to their inherent characteristics. These types of materials consist of hazardous and recyclable elements. While various construction materials such as aggregate, concrete, bricks, wood, iron can be recycled by separation facilities, hazardous chemicals such as asbestos and phenol need to be intervened appropriately.

Recycled materials can be reused as raw materials in different sectors, contributing to the circular economy. Proper recycling of waste materials resulting from demolition and disasters can address the raw material needs to produce concrete and cement, fundamental building blocks in the construction sector. Although the materials generated as a result of disasters and demolitions can be recycled, the physical and chemical properties of the waste vary depending on the location. Therefore, comprehensive studies are essential for evaluating and discovering the potential of these waste materials. The subject of this thesis is to observe the pozzolanic activity of brick waste, a type of construction demolition wastes, by the effect of different grinding parameters. The influence of different material filling ratios and grinding durations on the pozzolanic activity of brick waste is studied in this thesis. Mechanical and chemical tests are carried out to observe the pozzolanic activity. It is aimed to improve the pozzolanic activation of the waste material by optimizing the grinding parameters. Thus, it is believed that the use of brick waste as a substitute for cement will pave the way for the use of waste in the cement industry and provide a more sustainable and eco-friendly solution.