The Effect of Activation Methods on the Mechanical Properties of Cement Mortars with Recycled Powder from Concrete Waste as a Cement Partial Replacement: A Review

Kubilay Kaptan (), Sandra Cunha and José Aguiar
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Kubilay Kaptan: CTAC—Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
Sandra Cunha: CTAC—Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal
José Aguiar: CTAC—Centre for Territory, Environment and Construction, Department of Civil Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 10, 1-50

Abstract: The use of recycled powder (RP) derived from construction and demolition waste (CDW) has several benefits, including the conservation of natural aggregate supplies, the preservation of land designated as landfills, and the promotion of a sustainable built environment. Partially substituting cement with RP generated from concrete-based waste can significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. This comprehensive review delineates the advantages and disadvantages of mechanical, thermal, chemical, carbonation, mineral addition, and nano-activation methods for RP-based Portland cement (PC) mortars. A comprehensive examination of the parameters affecting the characteristics of RP-incorporated mortar has been presented. The mechanical properties of cement mortar formulated with RP have been examined in relation to different activation procedures. The review indicates that RP can be effectively utilized in the development of sustainable construction materials. This review article’s extensive literature survey also indicates a promising research trend and underscores the significance of thermal and combined activation methods and the utilization of concrete waste. Moreover, existing limitations in the current research and prospective future studies were identified and presented.

Keywords: construction and demolition waste; recycled powder; cement mortar; compressive strength; flexural strength; activation methods (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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