The Development of a Masonry Unit Composed Entirely of Recycled and Waste Aggregates

Title: The Development of a Masonry Unit Composed Entirely of Recycled and Waste Aggregates
Author(s): Forth
Paper category : conference
Book title: International RILEM Conference on the Use of Recycled Materials in Building and Structures
Editor(s): E. Vázquez, Ch. F. Hendriks and G.M.T. Janssen
Print-ISBN: 2-912143-52-7
e-ISBN: 2912143756
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2004
Pages: 341 - 350
Total Pages: 10
Nb references: 8
Language: English

Abstract: The paper describes the initial stages of the development of a novel construction unit
composed entirely of recycled and waste aggregates. The units are composed of a
combination of graded aggregates and binding agents from selected bitumens, which can be
considered as by-products from the petroleum industry. The aggregates, in addition to
conventional limestone aggregates, will include surplus green glass as well as those
aggregates currently classified as unused waste ashes. The basic principle for producing the
construction unit can also be applied in developing countries using soil where graded
aggregates are unavailable.
The data presented in this paper includes two fine graded mixes composed of sand, china
clay and bitumen and two coarse graded mixes composed of sand, china clay, limestone
aggregate and bitumen. The bitumen types were either a standard 50 pen bitumen or a
bituminous emulsion. These four mixes formed the base mixes with which all other mixes
containing the recycled and waste materials were compared. Also included are the results of
further tests on mixes using PFA and crushed glass as replacement aggregates. The results of
these tests using these replacement materials were compared with the base mixes.
An earlier investigation was performed to confirm the validity of the manufacturing
process (classified as a ‘Hot’ production method) [1]. The results presented in this paper are a
continuation of this work and will present further data for mixes made using the hot
production method and also the results of tests on units made using a ‘Cold’ production
method (using emulsified bitumen).
The innovative manufacturing process developed by the authors is extremely versatile;
units can be manufactured with a range of properties (compressive strength, water absorption,
thermal conductivity etc) and shapes to suit any number of different applications and
construction methods. The properties of the units are at least equivalent to existing masonry
units.

Online publication: 2004-09-29
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/2912143756.039