Experimental characterization data on aggregates from construction and demolition wastes for the assistance in sorting and recycling practices

Publication category: Research article

Authors: Sonia Marín-Cortés, María Fernández-Álvarez, Esther Enríquez & José F. Fernández

Publication date: 29 May 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.136798

Language: English

Abstract:

Nowadays, the circular economy of construction materials is a challenge that can offer great benefits in environmental, social and economic aspects. This work provides a set of practical data and interpretations for eleven common inorganic building materials as well as basis for their adequate characterization for the purpose of their valuation as secondary raw materials. The studied materials were divided in three main groups: ceramic (i.e., solid and hollow red bricks, porcelain and extruded stoneware tiles, red and white wall tiles and sanitary ware), gypsum-based (i. e., plaster and plasterboard) and cement-based (i.e., mortar and concrete) materials. This work pursues to stablish the main differences between inorganic construction materials to provide a reliable, complete, and convenient information to be used in scientific or industrial appliances, compiling valuable information, with special emphasis on spectroscopic characterization. In addition, Raman spectroscopy allows an advantageous characterization, successfully demonstrating the identification through chemometric models of ternary mixtures of construction materials. One target application for this analysis is the classification and separation of demolition waste materials for their further recycling, contributing this way to the circular economy and thus, the sustainable development of the society.

Keywords: Raman spectroscopy, characterization, recycling, construction waste, demolition waste, ceramic and valorization