In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a groundbreaking study led by Mohamed Amin from Suez University’s Department of Civil and Architectural Constructions has unveiled promising insights into the use of ceramic waste as a viable substitute for cement in high-strength concrete (HSC). Published in the journal “Sustainable Structures” (translated as “الهيكل المستدام”), this research could significantly impact the energy sector by reducing costs and CO2 emissions.
The study focuses on two types of ceramic waste: sanitary ceramic waste powder (SCWP) and tiles ceramic waste powder (TCWP). These materials, often discarded due to their brittleness, have been found to possess unique chemical properties that make them excellent candidates for partial cement replacement. “The idea was to turn a waste product into a valuable resource,” Amin explained. “We wanted to see if we could enhance the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of high-strength concrete without compromising its mechanical properties.”
Amin and his team created eleven different HSC mixes, incorporating up to 50% ceramic waste. The results were impressive. The concrete’s compressive strength exceeded 60 MPa, meeting industry standards, even with high levels of ceramic waste. Notably, mixes with 40% TCWP showed significant improvements in tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of elasticity. “This suggests that ceramic waste can not only match but in some cases, enhance the performance of traditional concrete mixes,” Amin added.
The study also delved into durability factors. After 28 days of curing, concrete mixes with 30% SCWP and TCWP showed a 6.16% reduction in chloride ion penetration compared to conventional mixes. This is a crucial finding for the energy sector, particularly for infrastructure projects in coastal areas or environments with high chloride exposure.
Economic and environmental analyses revealed even more compelling benefits. Using 50% SCWP and TCWP reduced CO2 emissions by 47%, energy consumption by 39%, and binder costs by 34.9%. These reductions could have a substantial impact on the energy sector, where construction and maintenance of facilities often come with hefty environmental and financial costs.
The research suggests that ceramic waste can be a game-changer in the production of sustainable HSC. “This is not just about reducing waste; it’s about creating a more sustainable and cost-effective building material,” Amin said. The findings could pave the way for future developments in the field, encouraging more construction companies to adopt eco-friendly practices.
As the construction industry continues to grapple with the challenges of sustainability and cost-efficiency, this study offers a promising solution. By turning ceramic waste into a valuable resource, we can reduce our environmental footprint and create stronger, more durable structures. The research published in “Sustainable Structures” is a significant step forward in this journey, and it will be interesting to see how the industry responds to these findings.