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Upcycling C&D Waste via Mechanical Abrasion: Balancing Aggregate Quality Enhancement against Process-Induced Damage Kanaujia, Subhas Chandra; Ahmad, Syed Aqeel; Khan, Zishan Raza; Singh, Vikash
International Journal of Environment, Engineering and Education Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)
Publisher : Three E Science Institute

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55151/ijeedu.v7i2.251

Abstract

The construction industry is a significant consumer of natural aggregates and a major contributor to carbon emissions. Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA) derived from Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste offer a promising sustainable alternative. This study examines how mechanical abrasion affects RCA processed in a Los Angeles (LA) abrasion drum with revolutions ranging from 100 to 1000 to find an optimal treatment window that maximizes quality without causing aggregate damage. The results indicate that coarse RCA processed at 500–600 revolutions significantly improved specific gravity (~2.55 from ~2.3) and reduced water absorption (~2.0% from ~4-5%), meeting the standards for natural aggregates. This treatment effectively removed fine mortar particles and improved durability (soundness loss ~15%), surpassing untreated RCA, which exhibited soundness losses >30%. However, excessive abrasion beyond ~700 revolutions led to an increase in fines and micro-cracking, resulting in a soundness loss exceeding 23%, failing durability criteria. The optimal abrasion range (~500 revolutions) resulted in a coarse aggregate yield of about 50%, compared to only 27% at 1000 revolutions. The study shows that on-site processing of C&D waste at this optimal level produces high-value aggregates for structural concrete, supporting the circular economy by reducing dependence on virgin aggregates and diverting waste from landfills. Cost analysis indicates that moderate abrasion (~500 revolutions) maximizes net material value while minimizing energy use and dust production. These results emphasize the viability of mechanical abrasion as a sustainable upcycling method for RCA, balancing quality improvement with process-related damage.
Recycled Concrete Aggregates from Construction and Demolition Waste: A Systematic and Critical Review of a Sustainable Construction Material Kanaujia, Subhas Chandra; Khan, Zishan Raza; Ahmad, Syed Aqeel; Singh, Vikash
International Journal of Environment, Engineering and Education Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)
Publisher : Three E Science Institute

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.55151/ijeedu.v7i2.252

Abstract

The construction sector is a major consumer of natural aggregates and a significant contributor to carbon emissions. Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCA), sourced from Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, offer a sustainable alternative that supports circular economy principles. However, the inferior quality of RCA—mainly due to adhered mortar and weak interfacial transition zones (ITZs)—limits its structural application. This study aims to (1) systematically identify and classify RCA enhancement methods, (2) evaluate the impact of RCA on concrete performance, particularly strength and durability, and (3) highlight key barriers and opportunities for its broader implementation in structural concrete. A systematic review of 77 peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2024 was conducted using PRISMA guidelines. The review analyzed diverse RCA treatment methods—mechanical, chemical, thermal, and biological—and their influence on concrete properties. Findings show that untreated RCA can reduce compressive strength by 10–30% and increase shrinkage by up to 50%. However, treatments such as acid soaking, mechanical polishing, and carbonation significantly improve RCA quality. When combined with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) and optimized mix design, treated RCA enables concrete to achieve comparable performance to conventional mixes. The technical viability of high-performance RAC is well supported by recent studies. The remaining challenges lie in standardization, quality control, and adoption at scale. This review concludes that while technical solutions are mature, the primary barrier to widespread adoption is the lack of integrated, performance-based regulatory frameworks, shifting the challenge from materials science to implementation science.