Abstract
Construction and demolition waste features two very important properties when considering its management options: the large amounts, and the low environmental hazardousness. Therefore, concrete waste can be recycled relatively easily: most common end-of-life option is utilization as unbound aggregates in road sub-bases, where it substitutes for natural aggregates such as gravel and crushed rocks.
However, leaching of heavy metals may occur in such uncontrolled environmental conditions, and become a limiting factor for utilization. Therefore, proper assessment of leaching is crucial. Different approaches exist, often implying unrealistic or not relevant conditions if compared to real life utilization scenarios.
A modified version of the CEN/TS 14405 column percolation test has been implemented on four crushed concrete samples, with the purpose of analysing the release of chromium, one of the elements of biggest concern. Main differences from the standard test include particles size, non saturated conditions and downflow intermittent watering.
The results of these experiments will be utilized to assess the actual potential for soil and groundwater pollution in a broader perspective.
However, leaching of heavy metals may occur in such uncontrolled environmental conditions, and become a limiting factor for utilization. Therefore, proper assessment of leaching is crucial. Different approaches exist, often implying unrealistic or not relevant conditions if compared to real life utilization scenarios.
A modified version of the CEN/TS 14405 column percolation test has been implemented on four crushed concrete samples, with the purpose of analysing the release of chromium, one of the elements of biggest concern. Main differences from the standard test include particles size, non saturated conditions and downflow intermittent watering.
The results of these experiments will be utilized to assess the actual potential for soil and groundwater pollution in a broader perspective.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | WASCON 2012 Conference proceedings |
| Editors | M. Arm, C. Vandecasteele, J. Heynen, P. Suer, B. Lind |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Publisher | ISCOWA |
| Publication date | 2012 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |
| Event | 8th International Conference on Sustainable Management of Waste and Recycled Materials in Construction - Gothenburg, Sweden Duration: 30 May 2012 → 1 Jun 2012 Conference number: 8 |
Conference
| Conference | 8th International Conference on Sustainable Management of Waste and Recycled Materials in Construction |
|---|---|
| Number | 8 |
| Country/Territory | Sweden |
| City | Gothenburg |
| Period | 30/05/2012 → 01/06/2012 |
Keywords
- leaching
- Concrete
- Columns
- Construction and demolition waste
- Chromium