Using ceramic sanitary ware waste as concrete aggregate

Sanitary ceramic ware waste is classified as belonging to group of non-biodegradable industrial waste. The paper presents the studies on possible reuse ceramic sanitary wastes as the aggregate (both fine and coarse) in concrete. The procedure of aggregate production (crushing, dividing particles into two groups - fine and coarse particles and establishing their proportion) and designing the concrete mix are described. Studies on properties of this aggregate and properties of concrete containing this aggregate, are presented. Tested concrete displayed high strength and high abrasion resistance. This paper presents also results of examination of concrete with alumina cement and ceramic sanitary ware wastes as aggregate in 1000 degrees C temperature. For comparison purposes, specimens with traditional natural aggregate and alumina cement were heated as well. As opposed to specimens of concrete with traditional aggregate, specimens with ceramic aggregate preserved their shape and cohesion and showed no cracks and defects. Despite some decrease in strength, these specimens after heating continued to display high compressive and tensile strength. On the basis of described studies, sanitary ceramic aggregate may be recommended for preparing special types of concrete: abrasion resistant concrete and concrete dedicated for members working in high temperatures. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.