Thermal and mechanical properties of concrete containing porcelain ceramic tile waste as fine and coarse aggregates

Sustainable development relies on efficient energy consumption and environmental protection. The construction industry accounts for a significant portion of global energy consumption. Concrete, as the most commonly used construction material, can play an important role in reducing global energy consumption owing to its thermal properties and its capacity for using waste materials as mix ingredients. In this study, the use of porcelain ceramic tile waste (PCTW) as a replacement for natural fine and coarse aggregates in concrete, both individually and in combination, was investigated. The thermal conductivity, compressive strength, density and water absorption of concretes made with PCTW aggregate were investigated in a series of novel experiments using 77 specimens prepared from 11 concrete mix designs. Compared with conventional concrete, it was found that the use of non-recyclable porcelain waste reduced the heat penetration rate by about 10.8°C, reduced the thermal conductivity by 38% and increased the compressive strength by 42%.