Using recycled concrete powder in sustainable cement-based materials: an updated review

Recycled powder (RP) is a by-product generated during the crushing process of construction and demolition waste for the production of recycled aggregate. The potential of using RP as a supplementary cementitious material (SCM) has not been widely investigated, which is due to its low activity and high-water demand. This article analyzes the physical properties, chemical composition of RP, and its influence on the hydration process. The effects of RP used as an SCM and sand replacement on the workability, microstructure, mechanical properties, and durability of concrete have been conducted. RP exhibits a pozzolanic activity index range of 50% to 85%. The relative strength is higher than 0.8 when the replacement ratio of RP is below 20%. The utilization of RP as an SCM or sand replacement could be a potential technique for developing sustainable cement-based materials. This strategy could reduce the quantity of natural resources and carbon emissions in the concrete industry.