Recycling of concrete (reinforced concrete products, concrete products), instructions for recycling reinforced concrete waste

Modern construction relies heavily on concrete, which shapes our infrastructure and cities. Yet, the problem of handling concrete waste gets more difficult as structures get older and demolition projects become necessary. Reusing concrete has become a viable solution to this issue, especially products made of reinforced concrete. It lowers carbon emissions, conserves natural resources, and lessens the need for landfills.

Reclaiming concrete entails dismantling aging buildings and transforming the material back into forms that are functional. This method is advantageous from an economic and environmental standpoint. We can lower construction costs, lessen the need for new raw materials, and promote a circular economy by recycling old concrete.

The recycling process becomes more difficult when handling reinforced concrete, which contains steel bars or mesh. Effective separation and processing of the steel and concrete require specialized machinery. However, this material can be successfully recycled and used again in a variety of construction projects if the proper tools and methods are applied.

It’s crucial to adhere to a set of rules for anyone wishing to recycle waste reinforced concrete. The material must be properly sorted, cut, and crushed in order for its intended use to be effective. By following these guidelines, we can optimize recycling’s advantages and encourage a more environmentally friendly building sector.

Recycling concrete is crucial for waste management and sustainable building, especially products made of reinforced concrete. By recycling used concrete into new materials for construction projects, this process not only lessens the negative environmental effects of construction waste but also conserves natural resources. Anyone can learn how to effectively break down and reuse waste reinforced concrete by following simple instructions, which will help to make the construction industry more economical and environmentally friendly.

Recycling of concrete and reinforced concrete

Buildings are constructed using reinforced concrete blocks for a variety of uses. These products are built on concrete. Metal rods are inserted into the block as reinforcement to strengthen it. Waste made of reinforced concrete is left over after a building is demolished or constructed, and it needs to be disposed of.

Iron and concrete-based construction waste is classified as hazard class 5 (low environmental impact). The likelihood of environmental contamination does not go away, though. Furthermore, the area is littered with trash. Recycling concrete waste can help prevent environmental damage and littering.

Businesses that process construction waste are those that hold a special permit. Employees at businesses should only be qualified individuals.

The following steps must be followed in order to recycle waste from reinforced concrete products (RCP), per the instructions:

1. Destruction of the building. If the building is being built and not demolished, the first stage requires the collection of construction waste.
2. Cutting reinforced concrete products into pieces to facilitate their transportation.
3. Collection and transportation of waste to a temporary storage location.

Concrete processing is done in the third stage, if the business uses a mobile unit. Raw materials that can be recycled and used again are placed in temporary storage.

Destroy or recycle

Waste made of reinforced concrete can be recycled or destroyed. Destruction, on the other hand, has no positive economic effects and only entails clearing the construction site. Ecological disasters or even environmental harm are frequently the result of the need for liquidation.

Pyrolysis, which burns waste reinforced concrete without using oxygen, is one of the safest ways to destroy construction waste. Pyrolysis is the process of breaking down a material into its most basic parts.

This mode of destruction releases the fewest amount of dangerous materials into the environment. Not only can iron and concrete waste be removed, but pyrolysis can also be used to produce alternative fuel.

Use of secondary materials

• improving the site during landscaping;
• filling foam blocks;
• making mortar;
• pouring foundations and floors;
• repair work on roads or during highway construction;
• creation of sidewalk surfaces;
• replacement of soil during construction;
• creation of embankments at the railway track.

Equipment for recycling reinforced concrete

An on-site crushing system at the business can be used to crush waste. When visiting a building’s construction or demolition site, a mobile crusher is employed. By using such equipment, recycling reinforced concrete can reduce the amount of construction waste that needs to be transported as well as the amount of time spent loading and unloading.

The engines of mobile complexes are diesel powered. The majority of them have magnetic separators installed. Up to 4% of metal waste and more than 80% of secondary crushed stone can be obtained with such equipment. Most of the time, less than 10% of construction waste is unsuitable for further use.

The essence of recycling technology

The most popular recycling technique involves passing crushed pieces of reinforced concrete through a sieve.

1. Inspection of the material intended for disposal and the distribution of elements.
2. Destruction of large concrete blocks. For crushing, special hydraulic units are used.
3. Loading crushed fragments to the hopper and launch of a crushing complex.
4. Passing through a sieve. The device creates vibration. Such an impact on the material cuts off secondary crushed stone. Only the elements made of metal remain on the sieve.
5. Sorting the resulting material.

Magnetic crushing complexes are a more contemporary method of processing reinforced concrete. Because the magnet draws metal fragments without holding the concrete in place, such equipment operates more effectively.

Reusing concrete is a crucial practice that lowers environmental impact and fosters sustainability. This includes recycling reinforced concrete products and other concrete waste. We can reduce the need for new resources by reusing valuable materials and demolishing aging concrete structures. This lowers the carbon footprint connected with the production of new concrete in addition to saving money.

Recycling concrete requires a number of steps. First, the concrete is divided into smaller pieces, frequently with the aid of specialized equipment such as crushers. After that, these parts are sorted to get rid of impurities like metal reinforcements, which can be divided using magnets and other tools. After being cleaned, the concrete pieces can undergo additional processing to yield aggregates that are appropriate for a range of construction uses.

There are many advantages to using recycled concrete aggregates in new construction projects. It addresses the problem of waste management by preserving natural resources and lowering the need for landfill space. Furthermore, recycled concrete’s versatility and value in the construction industry are demonstrated by the variety of uses it can have, from new concrete mixes to base layers for roads.

For sustainable construction to continue, recycling procedures for concrete waste must be implemented. To put into practice efficient recycling programs and encourage the use of recycled materials, legislators, engineers, and builders must work together and be committed to the cause. We can develop a more ecologically conscious and sustainable construction sector by adopting these practices.

Video on the topic

Concrete processing

Processing – recycling of concrete and reinforced concrete after the dismantling of an industrial building

Mobile cheek crushing installation. An example of reinforced concrete processing

CONCRETE CRUSHING | TECHNOLOGICAL CRUSHED STONE | MOBILE PROCESSING COMPLEX

Multifunctional complex for processing reinforced concrete products in Angarsk