The Use of Recycled Construction and Demolition Waste in Low-Strength Concrete Brick and Block Production: A South African Perspective

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Abstract The surge in population and urbanization in South Africa has increased construction activities, leading to the generation of a significant amount of construction and demolition waste (C&DW). While a portion of this waste is used in low-grade applications, the rest ends up in landfills. The conventional use of virgin materials persists, contributing to environmental issues such as increased energy usage and CO2 emissions from the mining and transportation of raw materials and the use of cement in concrete production. To promote a circular economy, resource efficiency, and reduced carbon footprint, a shift toward C&DW recycling is imperative. Despite successful international practices, the recycling rate in South Africa still needs to improve. While previous research works have focused mainly on using recycled aggregates (RAs) in structural concrete, this review explores their potential use in the manufacturing of low-strength concrete bricks and blocks, which are essential construction products within the context of housing development in South Africa. The lack of certification and standards for RAs in South Africa has hindered their practical use. Thus, different stakeholders need to take responsibility for investigating and developing quality control procedures to ensure consistency.

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