LAUSR

Abstract A pozzolanic material ordinarily contains high amounts of siliceous or aluminous components, but has no cementitious property until when it reacts with calcium hydroxide, that is available in cement, in the presence of moisture. The present study evaluates the pozzolanicity of ceramic tile powder and its effect on both hydration mechanism and strength property of recycled aggregate concrete. It was seen that ceramic floor and wall tiles sourced from construction and demolition wastes, contain high silica and alumina oxides, which evidently showcased its pozzolanicity. This was further revealed by the microstructural images of ceramic blended cement. Strength properties of recycled aggregate concrete were enhanced with addition of ceramic powder and ceramic coarse fraction, more than the strength developed in the control concrete. The increased strength was an indication that the interfacial transition zone between the aggregate and blended cement paste enhanced the properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). However, the tensile behavior of RAC was irregular, it initially decreased with 20% ceramic powder addition but it increased when 30% ceramic powder was added. Therefore, ceramic power derived from wall and floor tiles can be used as partial replacement for cement in recycled aggregate concrete.