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Valorization of concrete and brick waste as sustainable alternatives in lime mortar: physical, mechanical, and durability performance
 
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1
Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modeling and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, BP 30003, Fez, Morocco
 
2
Intelligent Systems, Georesources and Renewable Energies Laboratory, Faculty of Sciences and Technics, Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, Fez, Morocco
 
3
Laboratory of Natural Environments, Development, and Socio-Spatial Dynamics (MNADSS). FLSH Sais-Fès, Morocco
 
4
Laboratory of Rockfall Hazards and Geotechnical Structures/Gers Department, Gustave Eiffel University, Bron, France
 
 
Corresponding author
Imad Raini   

Laboratory of Engineering, Electrochemistry, Modeling and Environment, Faculty of Sciences Dhar El Mahraz, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, BP 30003, Fez, Morocco
 
 
J. Ecol. Eng. 2025; 26(5):40-53
 
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ABSTRACT
It is common knowledge that the construction sector impacts the environment significantly by contributing into waste generation, pollution, and resource depletion. In regards with these issues, countries with an advanced status like Morocco have become clearly noticeable due to the lack of policies in place to handle construction and demolition waste (CDW). The valuation of these wastes is an opportunity to provide sustainable alternatives for traditional construction materials while highlighting the circular economy concept, therefore reducing environment footprint. This research investigates sustainable reuse of recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) and brick powder (BP) as alternatives to natural sand and lime in producing lime mortar. Three different mortar compositions were produced with a constant BP component (30%) along with varying RCA levels (20%, 40% and 60%) and then experimentally tested in terms of density, compressive and flexural strength, porosity, water absorption, and durability after 28 and 90 days. The results show that integrating RCA decreased density and increased porosity; while adding BP improved compactness and water resistance because of BP's pozzolanic properties. The peak performance occurred at a 20% RCA concentration. This concentration provided a superior balance between the important pozzolanic benefits and the greatly diminished weaknesses induced by the RCA. This study confirms the feasibility of manufacturing eco-friendly lime mortars using recycled construction materials. In addition to encouraging ecological sustainability and reducing numerous waste disposal issues, eco-friendly lime mortars offer a sustainable alternative to several conventional mortars with a large potential for the rehabilitation and restoration of the country’s historic monuments, thus preserving the cultural heritage.
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