In the quest for sustainable construction materials, researchers have been exploring the potential of construction and demolition waste (CDW) as recycled aggregates (RA) in traditional mortars and concretes. Now, a new study published in the *MATEC Web of Conferences* (which translates to *Materials Science and Technology Conference*) takes this research a step further, focusing on the adhesive strength of industrial render mortars incorporating CDW aggregates. The lead author, Catarina Brazão Farinha from the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC) in Portugal, and her team have uncovered insights that could significantly impact the construction and energy sectors.
The study modifies the composition of industrial render mortars by replacing limestone aggregates with CDW aggregates at varying percentages—30%, 50%, and 100%. The CDW materials were sourced directly from recycling plants, with two classified as mixed recycled aggregates and one as recycled concrete aggregate. The primary focus was on evaluating how the incorporation of RA affects the adhesive strength of the mortars to a ceramic substrate, a critical property that directly influences the durability of render mortars.
“Adhesive strength is an essential property for render mortars, and it directly determines their durability,” explains Brazão Farinha. “Our research aimed to determine the maximum feasible RA incorporation without compromising the mortar’s performance.”
The adhesive strength between the renders and the substrate was assessed according to the European standard EN 1015-12. The results were promising: up to 30% replacement of natural aggregates with RA, the adhesive strength remained above 0.30 MPa for all mortars tested. This finding suggests that incorporating up to 30% RA in render mortars does not negatively impact their adhesive properties, paving the way for more sustainable construction practices.
The implications of this research are far-reaching. As the construction industry increasingly adopts sustainable practices, the use of CDW aggregates can reduce the demand for natural resources and lower the environmental impact of construction projects. For the energy sector, this could translate into more energy-efficient buildings with durable, sustainable exteriors.
“This research not only advances our understanding of sustainable construction materials but also offers practical solutions for the industry,” says Brazão Farinha. “By optimizing the use of recycled aggregates, we can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
As the construction industry continues to evolve, the findings from this study could shape future developments in the field. The use of CDW aggregates in render mortars represents a significant step towards achieving more sustainable and durable construction practices. With further research and industry adoption, the potential for reducing environmental impact and improving energy efficiency in buildings is substantial.
Published in the *MATEC Web of Conferences*, this study provides a valuable contribution to the ongoing efforts to make the construction industry more sustainable. As the world moves towards greener practices, the insights from this research could play a crucial role in shaping the future of construction and energy efficiency.