Evaluation of the physical, chemical and mineralogical properties of the fine fraction (<150 µm) of the recycled CDW aggregate

Abstract

Factors such as high consumption of natural resources and high volumes of waste produced by the construction industry warn the importance of reusing and recycling materials. Thus, this work aimed to determine and evaluate the physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of the fines of recycled aggregate (FRA), comparing them with fine natural aggregates (FNA). For that, particle size, specific area, shape and surface texture, pozzolanic activity index, oxides present, content of adhered mortar and mineral phases were determined. The results showed that the FRA have characteristics that stand out in relation to the FNA, among them the more irregular shape and porous surface. However, the FRA has a better particle size distribution, which may favor the compactness of the blends. In terms of pozzolanic performance, the FRA can not be considered as pozzolanic material, although it is necessary to evaluate them in the fineness required by standard.