An Assessment of C&D Waste Quality and Its Recycling Potential—An Indian Perspective

Abstract

The present research work evaluates physico-chemical, mineralogical and mechanical characterizations of Construction–Demolition (C&D) waste so that basic and relevant information about nature of C&D waste can be determined. The comprehensive characterization of C&D waste collected from two waste generation sites in India were carried out. The material analysed has different compositions and was selected with a view to determine their suitability for concrete industry as Recycled Aggregates (RA) and for further research studies. It was observed that different physico-chemical, mineralogical and mechanical characteristics of C&D wastes were variable parameters. The basic mechanical properties of RA were within the limit of Indian Standard IS:383 and IS:6579. During compressive strengths test of C&D for M-20 grade cubes as per IS:516, it was observed that the target cube strength was achieved at 7 and 28 days and was higher for 90 days. The study shows the potential of C&D waste as RA and can be reliable alternatives to Natural Aggregates (NA) during concrete making.