Eco-efficient Concretes: Impact of the Use of White Ceramic Powder on the Mechanical Properties of Concrete

Reuse of waste from construction and demolition is one of the most important purposes in the European Union (EU) and also in Spain. One of the most important wastes, due its wide range of reuse possibilities, is ceramic waste from the construction and ceramic industry. The aim of this research was to investigate some of the physical and mechanical properties of a laboratory-produced concrete to which had been added varying proportions of white ceramic powder as fine aggregate, obtained from the demolition site rubble and from the waste of ceramic industries. Initial experiments were carried out to characterise the ceramic powder and its suitability as fine aggregate. Thereafter, the results of the concrete trials (compression, flexi-traction and Brazilian test) show that the concrete thus obtained has the same mechanical characteristics as that made with conventional sand.