RECYCLING OF ULTRA-HIGH PERFORMANCE FIBRE- REINFORCED CONCRETE WITH A HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRIC PULSE FRAGMENTATION PROCESS

Author(s): Kathy Bru, Solène Touzé, Pascal Auger, Daniel B. Parvaz
Paper category: Proceedings
Book title: IV International Conference Progress of Recycling in the Built Environment
Editor(s): Isabel M. Martins, Carina Ulsen, Yury Villagran
ISBN:
e-ISBN: 978-2-35158-208-4
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2018
Pages: 31-36
Total Pages: 06
Language : English

Abstract: This study deals with the recycling of a particular Ultra-High Performance Fibre Reinforced
Concrete (UHPFRC) called Ductal®. This material, characterized by a high mechanical
resistance and a high steel fibre content, represent a challenge for the conventional recycling
processes. The high voltage electric pulse fragmentation (EPF) technology was investigated
here as a potential breakthrough technology for liberating the steel fibres from the
sand/cement paste, with the objective to recycle both fractions into new concrete products.
The EPF technology relies on highly energetic electrical pulses to selectively fragment
composite materials i.e. to generate cracks along grain boundaries. Tests were performed at
lab-scale and showed that the steel fibres are liberated in the 0/2 mm size fraction. The
influence of the specific energy on EPF performances was investigated. Good recovery rates
of the steel fibres were obtained, confirming the potential of EPF for the recycling of
UHPFRC.

Online publication : 2018
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros) : 0.00