High-Temperature Performance of Concrete Utilizing Waste Ceramic Coarse Aggregate as Partial Replacement
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Date
2025-02
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The increasing demand for sustainable construction materials, along with the growing need for improved fire resistance in structural elements, has accelerated research into alternative aggregate sources for concrete production. In this context, this study investigates the high-temperature performance of concrete in which waste ceramic coarse aggregate, sourced primarily from discarded tiles and sanitary ware, is used as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregates. The core aim is to address two pressing challenges in modern construction: enhancing concrete’s resistance to elevated temperatures and promoting the sustainable use of construction and industrial waste.
A series of concrete mixtures incorporating waste ceramic aggregate at replacement levels of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% by volume were prepared and subjected to both ambient conditions and elevated temperatures up to 600°C. After heating, specimens were cooled either gradually in a furnace or by immersion in a limited volume of water to simulate post-fire scenarios. Comprehensive tests were carried out to assess residual compressive strength, mass loss, and workability. The results demonstrated that concrete with 40% ceramic aggregate achieved the best overall performance, retaining more than 70% of its original compressive strength after thermal exposure. Water-quenched specimens consistently outperformed those cooled in the furnace due to shorter exposure to damaging high temperatures and the moderated thermal shock effects provided by steam and rising water temperatures.The superior performance of ceramic-modified concrete is attributed to several synergistic factors. The angular and irregular shapes of the ceramic particles contribute to improve internal packing, which reduces porosity and enhances strength. Moreover, the pozzolanic reactivity of ceramic materials due to their silica and alumina content supports secondary hydration reactions, thereby enhancing matrix cohesion and long-term durability. A stronger interfacial transition zone (ITZ) is formed, further improving the mechanical integrity of the concrete. Additionally, ceramic aggregates exhibit low thermal conductivity and high heat resistance, properties that significantly enhance the thermal stability of concrete under high-temperature exposure. Workability is also improved due to the smooth surface texture and lower water absorption rate of the ceramic aggregates, simplifying the mixing and placing process.
In Ethiopia, where construction activity is rapidly expanding and ceramic waste is increasingly abundant but underutilized, the application of ceramic aggregates offers a dual advantage: reducing environmental waste while supporting infrastructure development. The findings of this study suggest that up to 40% replacement of natural coarse aggregate with waste ceramic aggregate provides an optimal balance between mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and sustainability. This position’s ceramic-modified concrete as a viable solution for fire-resistant construction in hot or fire-prone environments.
In conclusion, this research demonstrates that waste ceramic materials can be effectively repurposed into durable and thermally resilient concrete, offering an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to conventional aggregates. The use of waste ceramic in concrete not only enhances mechanical and thermal properties but also aligns with circular economy principles by minimizing industrial waste and promoting resource efficiency. These findings contribute meaningful insights into sustainable construction practices, particularly in regions where exposure to high temperatures is expected, and encourage the development of policies and recycling infrastructure to support broader implementation.
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Keywords
concrete, waste ceramic, workability, compressive strength, durable, Pozzolanic activity, Fire-resistant concrete, Interfacial transition zone (ITZ), high temperature, circular economy.