Effect of waste ceramic powder on strength development of cement based mortars

This study presents the results of a preliminary study aiming at assessing the feasibility of using waste ceramic powder as a partial replacement of cement in cement based mortars. The aim is to improve the sustainability footprint of concrete and cement based construction materials in the precast industry. Two different ceramic powders have been employed, one from crushed bathroom fixtures and dental prosthesis waste and a second one from foundry industry residuals. Two different cement replacement volume percentages have been considered for each powder type, equal to 10% and 30%. Effects of the replacement on the workability, shrinkage behaviour and on the compressive and flexural strength have been considered, up to curing periods as long as three months. This is aimed at establishing if there is any potential for pozzolanic activity. The study is prodromal to investigating durability characteristics, including exposure to severe environmental conditions. The results of the study provide an interesting insight into the possibility of using this kind of wastes as a concrete constituent, thus reducing the demand for raw cement and the burden on the landfills for disposing of such kind of invading waste.