Ceramic wastes usage as alternative aggregate in mortar and concrete

In the ceramic industry, huge amounts of wastes are generated during manufacturing and transportation processes. In order to decrease the need for landfill areas and increase environmentally harmful effects of such wastes, this industry is under pressure to finding effective ways for recycling its wastes and by-products. In addition, the construction industry requires new sources of aggregates due to running out of conventional virgin aggregates, saving energy, and protecting the environment. Therefore, recently, ceramic wastes are often used as coarse and/or fine aggregate both in mortar and concrete. In the present study, effects of using ceramic wastes as coarse and/or fine aggregate on the engineering properties of mortar and concrete are evaluated. These engineering properties are listed and compared according to their mechanical and durability properties. Reviewing of previous studies related with this subject in literature and discussion all results of the studies are conducted as the methodology of this study. Consequently, it was found out that the use of waste ceramic in the conventional concrete or mortar mix as fine/coarse aggregate is suitable as it can improve mechanical and durability properties of the concrete/mortar.