What is Concrete Reclamation?

What is Concrete Reclamation?

Concrete reclamation, or concrete recycling, is the process of using rubble from demolished concrete structures to build other structures and buildings. Recycling concrete is often cheaper and more ecological than trucking rubble to a landfill. With increased awareness of the impact that mining and construction industries have on the environment, concrete reclamation is growing in popularity and is being used by more and more companies.

If you need a concrete reclaimer to help make your site more sustainable, choose the team here at CMQ Engineering. Contact us on 07 3879 3288 or get in touch via the online form for any enquiries.

 

The Process of Concrete Reclamation

When a concrete building is demolished, the rubble is collected to be recycled. By following this process, the concrete is given a new life and can help industries to become more sustainable in the future.

 

Recycled Concrete Aggregate

When the rubble is collected, it can be recycled into gravel and what is known as recycled concrete aggregate (RCA). RCA is produced in recycling plants, like those used for other natural crushed aggregate production. The processing usually involves two phases of crushing, the first with jaw crushers, and the second with impact crushers. This crushing allows for the removal of any reinforcement that may have been in the concrete. After the crushing process, all remaining reinforcement is removed using electromagnets.

To align with guidelines and laws surrounding RCA, all types of contaminants and building waste, such as dirt and plaster, must be carefully removed. This is done by using water cleaning or air sifting. This concrete reclamation into aggregate is environmentally beneficial, as it reduces waste products and saves room in landfills. But what can RCA be used for?

 

Uses of Recycled Concrete and RCA

Concrete reclamation has many commercial uses throughout the construction and mining industries, with the main ones being:

 

Road Base

Recycled concrete can be used as an aggregate for road bases. Untreated aggregate and gravel are perfect for use as the underlayer that provides the structural foundation for roadway pavement.

 

Construction Foundations

When creating a new foundation, it is essential to level and compact the ground. Slab fill or crusher dust made from recycled concrete is one of the best and most sustainable ways to create this foundation.

 

Soil Stabilisation

RCA is commonly used to stabilise wet or soft soils and help eliminate any movement issues that may occur. This also helps to improve the load bearing properties of the soil, perfect for mine sites with heavy machinery.

 

Pipe Bedding

Recycled concrete can serve as a stable bedding and foundation when laying underground utilities, like pipes. They also have impressive drainage qualities, but all material should be tested to make sure there is no contamination or pH issues.

 

Aggregate for New Concrete

Depending on the class of the RCA you have, it can be used to replace natural aggregate in structural concrete. It can be used to replace up to 30% of natural virgin aggregate while still maintaining structural integrity.

 

Choose a Sustainable Partner

As we work towards a more sustainable future in the construction, mining, and quarrying industries, it is important to work with mining equipment suppliers who place a focus on sustainability. At CMQ Engineering, we are at the forefront of innovation and are committed to sustainability and progress.

No matter if it is concrete recycling, mobile concrete, or mining equipment, we are here to support you. Reach out today on 07 3879 3288 or get in touch via the online form for any enquiries.