Effect of activation methods on the properties of recycled powder generated from concrete waste

Abstract

The focus on protecting the environment and developing resources sustainably has made the reuse of waste concrete a prominent area of research. The investigation of recycled powder (RP) derived from concrete waste obtained from construction and demolition waste (CDW) is crucial for enhancing the effectiveness of waste concrete utilization. The primary constraint on the application of RP in cementitious materials is its low activity. RP mostly contains inactive hydrated substances such as quartz or calcite. However, when RP is activated, new active components are generated. The use of activated RP enhances the hydration response of newly created cementitious materials. Therefore, this study examines different activation strategies to enhance the characteristics of RP. Additionally, this work elucidates the characteristics of RP, with a particular emphasis on particle size, as well as the impact of various activation methods on the strength activity index (SAI) of RP.