Innovative Cement Using Construction Waste Shows Promising Results in Colombia
A groundbreaking study in Colombia explores the use of construction and demolition waste (CDW) to create alkali-activated cement (AAC), offering a sustainable alternative in the construction industry.
Researchers in Medellín, Colombia, have developed a novel type of cement using construction and demolition waste (CDW), including brick and concrete waste, showcasing a significant stride towards sustainable construction practices. This innovative alkali-activated cement (AAC), cured at room temperature, leverages an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate for activation. The study aimed to optimize the CDW content and the proportion of alkaline activator through various mixtures, assessing their mechanical properties through compressive and flexural strength tests, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and water absorption tests.
The findings revealed that the mechanical properties of the AAC are highly dependent on the type of activated residue and the activator ratio. Notably, the AAC based on brick waste exhibited superior mechanical properties, with a mean compressive strength of 33 MPa. This research not only highlights the potential for recycling construction waste into valuable building materials but also aligns with global efforts to reduce the environmental impact of the construction sector.
Source: ScienceDirect
