CDW-Based Geopolymers: Pro and Cons of Using Unselected Waste.

Geopolymer technology is considered a strategic alternative for recycling construction and demolition waste (CDW) and to produce new construction products which meet the requirements of environmental and energy sustainability. The separation and management of CDW fractions is still a technological complex process and, even if large-scale separation technology is quite common, the necessity to perform this treatment may reduce the environmental and economic benefits of CDW reuse. So, a very promising option is represented by the manufacturing of geopolymers using unseparated CDW.

Valorisation of Tuff and Brick Wastes by Alkali Activation for Historical Building Remediation.

Nowadays, the preservation and restoration of a historical building needs to be faced in accordance with a novel sensibility regarding the environment in order to preserve the building for future generations. In this context, the scientific community is focusing on novel and sustainable materials and techniques that allow for durability and mechanical performance as well as compatibility with the existing heritage. Alkali-activated materials represent a great challenge to the production of new materials, starting from the existing ones, with the goal of reducing consumption, emission of greenhouse gases and environmental impact.

Mechanical Characterization of Gypsum Composites Containing Inert and Insulation Materials from Construction and Demolition Waste and Further Application as A Gypsum Block.

This article analyzes the feasibility of using construction and demolition waste (expanded polystyrene, ceramic, and concrete waste) in a gypsum matrix to manufacture plaster for interior coatings or for prefabricated elements for interior partitions. To do this, several gypsum specimens were prepared (4 × 4 × 16 cm) incorporating different percentages of waste based on the weight of the gypsum (25%, 50%, and 75% of ceramic, concrete, and a mixture of both). Reference samples were also produced (without additions) to compare the results obtained.

Methodology for quantification of waste generated in Spanish railway construction works.

In the last years, the European Union (EU) has been focused on the reduction of construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Specifically, in 2006, Spain generated roughly 47million tons of C&D waste, of which only 13.6% was recycled.

Estimation of construction and demolition waste volume generation in new residential buildings in Spain.

The management planning of construction and demolition (C&D) waste uses a single indicator which does not provide enough detailed information. Therefore the determination and implementation of other innovative and precise indicators should be determined. The aim of this research work is to improve existing C&D waste quantification tools in the construction of new residential buildings in Spain.

Sustainable construction: construction and demolition waste reconsidered.

Construction activity in Europe has increased substantially in the past decade. Likewise, there has also been a commensurate rise in the generation of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). This, together with the fact that in many European countries the rate of recycling and reuse of C&DW is still quite low has engendered a serious environmental problem and a motivation to develop strategies and management plans to solve it.