Gas permeability in concrete containing recycled ceramic sanitary ware aggregate

Durability is a key property in concrete structures due to the economic, safety and environmental impact of repair and maintenance operations, or demolition, undertaken during their service life. The issue is particularly important when the concrete contains recycled materials. The present study explores the effect of the partial (20% and 25%) replacement of virgin aggregate with recycled ceramic sanitary ware waste on the gas permeability of structural concrete. The findings revealed that the slightly higher porosity in the recycled concrete obtained did not translate into greater gas permeability. These new concretes proved to be as durable as the conventional material, with good performance throughout their design service life.

► The ceramic waste analysed from the sanitary ware industry.
► This waste is used as a coarse aggregate in the manufacture of concretes.
► The mechanical behaviour of these concretes is better than convectional concretes.
► The gas permeability is similar in the reference concrete and the new concretes.
► These recycled concretes proved to be as durable as the conventional material.