Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials globally, but its production comes with significant environmental impacts due to the extraction of raw materials and the energy-intensive manufacturing processes. Recycling concrete is becoming more popular in recent years as businesses strive to make sustainable choices.
The recycling process decreases the need for extracting natural resources such as aggregates (sand, gravel, crushed stone) which are typically mined from quarries. By utilising recycled concrete aggregates, there’s less strain on natural ecosystems and landscapes often affected by quarrying activities.
The Recycling Process
The first step in concrete recycling involves the demolition of existing structures or the collection of concrete debris from construction sites. This material is then transported to recycling facilities for processing.
Upon arrival at the recycling facility, the concrete undergoes sorting to segregate different components such as aggregates, cement and metals. Contaminants like rebar, wood and plastic are removed to ensure the purity of the recycled material.
Next, the sorted concrete undergoes crushing using heavy machinery such as crushers and impactors. After crushing, the material passes through screens to separate it into various sizes of aggregate.
What can recycled concrete be used for?
The recycled concrete aggregates obtained from the aforementioned processes can be utilised in various construction applications. Recycled concrete aggregates are often employed as a base or sub-base material in road construction projects. Crushed concrete can also be used as a fill material in construction activities such as backfilling trenches, excavations and utility trenches.
Concrete recycling can help alleviate some concerns regarding environmental impact in comparison to traditional concrete production. If you’re looking for concrete Cheltenham, there are several local specialist providers you can consider such as https://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/concrete-cheltenham/.
Overall, the versatility and practicality of recycled concrete make it a valuable resource in many modern construction businesses.
