Green Concrete Production Technology with the Addition of Recycled Ceramic Aggregate

Rational waste management is crucial for the effective implementation of the circular economy (CE) and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ceramic waste, which takes thousands of years to decompose in the natural environment, can be recycled into construction materials. This approach offers dual environmental benefits: reducing ceramic waste disposal and minimizing the exploitation of natural aggregate deposits. This study examines the recycling of sanitary ceramic waste, including items such as washbasins, toilet bowls, urinals, bidets, and bathtubs, into alternative aggregates for concrete mixtures. After grinding and separating the ceramic cullet into specific fractions, it becomes a viable substitute for natural aggregates. Concrete samples were tested with varying water-cement ratios (0.3 and 0.4) and recycled ceramic aggregate contents (15%, 30%, and 45%). These results were compared to those of samples made solely with natural aggregates. The samples underwent compressive strength tests to determine concrete class and were exposed to elevated temperatures (150 °C, 300 °C, 550 °C, and 750 °C). Additional analyses measured the secant modulus of elasticity and selected aggregate properties. The findings demonstrate that high-quality concrete can be produced while promoting circular economy principles by reducing waste and preserving natural resources.