Circular Build Africa
Transforming Waste into Sustainable Infrastructure
Transforming Waste into Sustainable Infrastructure
Investigating the use of waste porcelain tiles as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregates to produce sustainable, high-performance concrete.
This research evaluates the feasibility of using crushed porcelain tile waste as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregates in concrete production. The study focuses on improving sustainability, reducing construction waste and supporting circular economy practices while maintaining acceptable engineering performance.
Large quantities of porcelain tile waste are generated from construction and demolition activities. Most of this waste is disposed of in landfills, creating environmental challenges while natural coarse aggregates continue to be extracted from limited natural resources. This research investigates whether waste porcelain tiles can effectively replace natural coarse aggregates in concrete production without compromising engineering performance.
To investigate the performance of concrete produced using porcelain tile aggregate as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate.
Determine the physical properties of porcelain tile aggregate before use in concrete.
Evaluate the workability of fresh concrete produced using different replacement levels.
Assess the compressive strength of hardened concrete after curing.
Primary binding material used in the concrete mix.
Natural river sand used as fine aggregate.
Conventional coarse aggregate used as the control.
Crushed waste porcelain tiles used as a partial replacement for natural coarse aggregate.
Potable water used for mixing and curing concrete.
The experimental procedure followed a systematic approach from material collection to laboratory testing and data analysis.
Collection of cement, aggregates, porcelain tile waste and water.
Crushing and grading porcelain tiles into coarse aggregates.
Physical property tests were performed before concrete production.
Concrete was prepared using different replacement ratios.
Specimens were cured for 7, 14 and 28 days.
Laboratory results were analysed and compared with the control mix.
The laboratory investigation demonstrated that porcelain tile aggregates can partially replace natural coarse aggregates while maintaining satisfactory engineering performance.
Highest 28-Day Compressive Strength
Recommended Replacement Level
PTA Specific Gravity
PTA Water Absorption
Water/Cement Ratio
Concrete Grade
Porcelain tile waste has significant potential as a sustainable construction material.
Concrete containing porcelain tile aggregates achieved acceptable compressive strength.
The study supports circular economy principles by reducing landfill waste and conserving natural resources.