International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 07 | Jul 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Utilization of Recycled Concrete Powder (RCP) as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCMs) in Mortar Piyush Sharma*, Sayantan Ghosh ** *Master degree scholar, Department of Civil Engineering, Maharaja Agrasen University Baddi , Himachal Pradesh **Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering (MAIT), Maharaja Agrasen University Badd , Himachal Pradesh -------------------------------------------------------------------------***-----------------------------------------------------------------------Abstract The construction industry is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, primarily due to Portland cement production. This study investigates the potential of Recycled Concrete Powder (RCP), obtained from Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) in mortar. RCP was thermally treated at temperatures of 650°C, 700°C, and 750°C to enhance its pozzolanic activity. Mortar samples were prepared by replacing cement with 5% and 10% of treated RCP. Physical, mechanical, and durability properties were evaluated through standard tests. The results show that 10% replacement with RCP calcined at 650°C and 700°C yielded compressive strength with great sustainability. RCP shows promising potential as a green SCM , contributing to circular economy and reduction of environmental footprint. It can be used as alternative of cement and can contribute with cement in construction field perspective.
KEYWORDSRecycled Concrete Powder, Construction And Demolition waste, Supplementary Cementitious Material, Calcined Concrete Powder.
1. Introduction Cement production accounts for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions, driven by the energy-intensive nature of clinker production. In parallel, the construction sector generates vast quantities of Construction and Demolition (C&D) waste, with over 2 billion tons produced annually worldwide. A significant fraction of this waste, when processed, results in fine particles known as Recycled Concrete Powder (RCP), typically less than 150 µm in size. This study explores the feasibility of utilizing RCP as a Supplementary Cementitious Material (SCM) in mortar mixtures. SCMs such as fly ash and silica fume are already proven to enhance durability and reduce cement demand. RCP, with proper activation, can potentially offer similar benefits while contributing to sustainable waste management.
2. Materials and Methods 2.1 Materials The cement used in this study is of ultratach OPC ( grade 43) and the sand is acquired from natural river sand of zone-Ⅱ, tested for silt content , water absorption and gradation . The RCP is derived from crushed and sieved demolished concrete(<75um) .The water used in this study is portable water. 2.2 Thermal Treatment of RCP RCP was thermally activated using a muffle furnace at 650°C, 700°C, and 750°C for 3 hours. The calcined samples were observed for color change and tested for Loss on Ignition (LOI). 2.3 Mix Proportion and Casting Nine mortar mixes were prepared following ASTM C311, with water-to-binder ratio 0.5 and binder-to-sand ratio 1:2.75. Cement was replaced with RCP at 5% and 10% levels for each calcination temperature. Cubes (50 mm) were cast and tested at 7 and 28 days for compressive strength. As shown inn Table.1 .
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