Replacement of local aggregate in concrete with crushed ceramic tiles

Abstract

One of the problems of most concern among European countries, including Malta, is the disposal of construction and demolition waste. While ceramic tiling constitutes a reasonable amount of this waste, its properties may, in fact, enhance the structural performance of concrete. This dissertation assesses the performance of crushed ceramic tiles used as a replacement for local aggregate in structural concrete. A number of aggregate tests were carried out on crushed gres tiles, crushed monocottura tiles and Upper Coralline Limestone aggregates. The results show that the crushed ceramic tile aggregates are stronger than Upper Coralline Limestone aggregates. In total, 15 mixes where prepared by replacing Upper Coralline Limestone aggregate with aggregate derived from crushed grey tiles and crushed monocottura tiles for two different structural concrete grades.