Eco-efficiency of self-compacting concrete with sanitary ware waste

Abstract

Sanitary ware waste (RLS) is proposed as an ecologically environmental alternative, replacing fine aggregates and gravel, used in the production of self-compacting concrete (SCC). The environmental efficiency in energy life cycles and carbon dioxide emissions of SCC with different mixtures of RLS, were compared with the self-compacting concrete without RLS (CAA_REF). The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) showed that the replacement of RLS aggregates in CAA_REF, can generate an absolute reduction of approximately 45.42 MJ/m³ and 2.67 kg of CO2/m³ respectively, which corresponds to reductions of 2.2% and 0.6%. It was also verified that the use of an indicator of eco-efficiency of the environmental behavior in relation to the parameter mechanical resistance to compression, can contribute and be adequate in projects of dosages of SCC. Thus, it was observed that the use of RLS can contribute to environmental sustainability, reducing the inadequate disposal of RLS in the environment and implementing an adequate reuse.

Keywords:
Life cycle assessment (LCA); Embodied energy; Carbon dioxide emissions; Sustainable concrete; Self-compacting concrete