Technology
The S3RoU consortium leverages advanced, high-value technologies for the processing of concrete waste, enabling the transformation of demolished concrete into reusable aggregates and separated cement paste.
This process facilitates the production of secondary cementitious materials, contributing to a circular construction economy by minimizing waste and maximizing the reuse of resources.
Through these innovative approaches, the consortium ensures that concrete waste is not only repurposed for new construction but also integrated into sustainable material cycles, reducing environmental impact and enhancing the overall efficiency of resource utilization.
Innovating Rubble into Resources
Rapid Detection and Surveying
Mobile Concrete Separation Process
Upcycling Pathways
Sustainability and Awareness
Stages of Separation
01.Volume Measurement
The first step involves measuring the available rubble to determine the scale of the material.
02.Asbestos Contamination Check
Advanced asbestos-detecting systems are used to scan for contamination, with safety precautions in place.
If asbestos is detected, the procedure is halted for safety reasons.
03.Alkali-Activated Materials Check
In the absence of asbestos, the rubble is examined for Alkali-activated materials using Handheld Raman and XRF devices for rapid characterization.
If Alkali-activated materials are present, the process is stopped.
04.Sorting and Primary Crushing
If no contaminants are found, the rubble proceeds to sorting and primary crushing. Fracture mechanics modeling is applied to reduce the energy needed for crushing.
05.Final Stage – Waste Concrete
The processed rubble results in waste concrete, now ready for further recycling or upcycling.
Upcycling Stages
01.Concrete Separation Plant
Initiating the process at a concrete separation facility
02.Mobile Platform Development
Creation of a mobile, integrated, truck-mountable platform for on-site processing.
03.Deployment
The platform is deployed in Ukraine to process waste materials
04.Waste Concrete Processing
Collection and preparation of waste concrete for further treatment
05.Advanced Dry Recovery (ADR) Technology
Utilization of ADR technology to efficiently process the waste.
06.Component Separation
Waste concrete is separated into three components: coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and hardened cement paste
07.Processing Hardened Cement Paste
Hardened cement paste is treated using a heating air classification system (HAS) and hybrid electric (microwave-assisted) heating technology to produce activated concrete fines.
Upcycling pathways for coarse and fine aggregate involve reusing the materials in several construction applications. Coarse and fine aggregates can be used to manufacture fresh conventional concrete, which is suitable for structural applications and concrete pavements. Additionally, they can be incorporated into roller-compacted concrete or serve as a crushed-aggregate base for pavements.
For hardened cement paste, the upcycling process transforms it into activated concrete fines. These fines can be repurposed as feedstock for cement production, used as supplementary cementitious materials, or applied in soil stabilization.
