Rosaceae Nut-Shells as Sustainable Aggregate for Potential Use in Non-Structural Lightweight Concrete

Veronica D’Eusanio (), Lucia Bertacchini, Andrea Marchetti, Mattia Mariani, Stefano Pastorelli, Michele Silvestri and Lorenzo Tassi
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Veronica D’Eusanio: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
Lucia Bertacchini: Litokol S.p.A., 42048 Rubiera, Italy
Andrea Marchetti: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
Mattia Mariani: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
Stefano Pastorelli: Litokol S.p.A., 42048 Rubiera, Italy
Michele Silvestri: Litokol S.p.A., 42048 Rubiera, Italy
Lorenzo Tassi: Department of Chemical and Geological Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy

Waste, 2023, vol. 1, issue 2, 1-20

Abstract: Apricot (AS), peach (PS), and plum shells (PlS) were examined as sustainable aggregates for non-structural lightweight concrete. The extraction of natural resources has a significant environmental impact and is not in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Agenda 2030. Recycling agri-food waste, such as fruit shells, fully respects circular economy principles and SDGs. The chemical and physical properties of the shells were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructure analysis and TG-MS-EGA for thermal stress behavior. Two binding mixtures were used to prepare the concrete samples, one containing lime only (mixture “a”) and one containing both lime and cement (mixture “b”). Lime is a more sustainable building material but it compromises mechanical strength and durability. The performance of lightweight concrete was determined based on the type of aggregate used. PS had a high-water absorption capacity due to numerous micropores, resulting in lower density (1000–1200 kg/m 3 ), compressive strength (1–4 MPa), and thermal conductivity (0.15–0.20 W/mK) of PS concrete. AS concrete showed the opposite trend (1120–1260 kg/m 3 ; 2.8–7.0 MPa; 0.2–0.4 W/mK) due to AS microporosity-free and denser structure. PlS has intermediate characteristics in terms of porosity, density, and water absorption, resulting in concrete with intermediate characteristics (1050–1240 kg/m 3 ; 1.9–5.2 MPa; 0.15–0.3 W/mK).

Keywords: sustainability; green building; recycle; food waste; lightweight concrete; lime concrete; fruit shells; coarse aggregate replacement (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q16 Q18 Q2 Q20 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q28 Q3 Q31 Q38 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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