buildings

Article
Analysis of Physical Properties of Coarse Aggregates Recovered
from Demolished Concrete with a Two-Stage Water Jigs Process
for Reuse as Aggregates in Concrete
Artur Bressanelli Teixeira 1, * , Carlos Hoffmann Sampaio 1 , Josep Oliva Moncunill 1 , Jose Luis Cortina Palas 2 ,
Monica Mariana Davila Lima 1 and Grethel Tamara Herrera La Rosa 1

1 Departament d’Enginyeria Minera, Industrial i TIC, Escola Politècnica Superior d’Enginyeria de Manresa,
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Av. Bases de Manresa 61-63, 08242 Manresa, Spain;
[email protected] (C.H.S.); [email protected] (J.O.M.);
[email protected] (M.M.D.L.);
[email protected] (G.T.H.L.R.)
2 Departament d’Enginyeria Química, Campus Diagonal Besòs, Edifici I, Eduard Maristany, 16, Sant Andrá de
Besòs, 08930 Barcelona, Spain; [email protected]
* Correspondence: [email protected]

Abstract: The present work analyses the physical characteristics of aggregates recovered with the
waterjigging process from comminuted concrete. In this work, conventional concrete (C16/20) was
crushed to a top size of 20 mm with a jaw crusher and classified in a size range of 5 to 20 mm. The
densimetric distribution analysis was carried out in a densimetric range of 2.4 to 2.8 g/cm3 , and
the cement paste was dissolved from all granulometric ranges to analyze the composition (sand,
cement paste, and aggregates) of each part and define the possibilities of materials to recover. A
two-stage water jig concentration process was used, generating a cleaner material in the first stage
and a re-cleaner material in the second jigging stage. The physical properties of the material inserted
in the feed and the material generated in the first and second stages were analyzed to compare them
with natural aggregates. The results indicate the viability of recovering 47.8% of the coarse aggregates
Citation: Teixeira, A.B.; Sampaio,
present in the concrete feed in the re-cleaner material, with 84% of particles having a density higher
C.H.; Moncunill, J.O.; Cortina Palas,
than 2.6 g/cm3 . These characteristics are similar to those found in natural aggregates.
J.L.; Lima, M.M.D.; La Rosa, G.T.H.
Analysis of Physical Properties of
Coarse Aggregates Recovered from Keywords: concrete; physical proprieties; aggregates; concentration; jigging process
Demolished Concrete with a
Two-Stage Water Jigs Process for
Reuse as Aggregates in Concrete.
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226. https:// 1. Introduction
doi.org/10.3390/ buildings14072226 Construction and demolition waste (CDW) is the most generated waste when con-
Academic Editor: Xingwei Li sidering the residues generated in all countries in Europe, according to a survey carried
out in 2020 by the European Commission [1]. More than a third of the waste generated in
Received: 6 June 2024 economic activities and household waste in the European Union (EU) in 2020 was waste
Revised: 28 June 2024
from economic activities linked to construction when comparing all economic activities and
Accepted: 3 July 2024
households. Waste generation values accounting for all economic activities and households
Published: 19 July 2024
amounted to 2153 million tons or 4813 kg per capita in 2020 [1].
Observing the specific case of Spain, demonstrated by the European Commission [1,2],
an even greater portion of waste from construction is observed, which can generate an
Copyright: © 2024 by the authors.
amount of more than 37% (share of total waste) of solid waste from the construction sector.
Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. Looking at the generation of construction waste compared with other types of waste, an
This article is an open access article aggravating fact comes to light: the generation of CDW occurs in a diffuse and not a
distributed under the terms and centralized manner, which makes the management of this material difficult. Any location
conditions of the Creative Commons with construction, renovation, or demolition of buildings is a potential generator of this
Attribution (CC BY) license (https:// material. Research has been carried out within the scope of construction management [3,4]
creativecommons.org/licenses/by/ to reduce the volume of material generated. However, it is still at an initial stage and does
4.0/). not have considerable effects on the volume of material generated or on the general quality.

Buildings 2024, 14, 2226. https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072226 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/buildings

 Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 2

management [3,4] to reduce the volume of material generated. However, it is still

Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 initial stage and does not have considerable effects on the volume of 2material of 17 gene
or on the general quality.
To standardize and develop new guidelines for solid waste management and g
To standardize reduction
ation and develop targets, the European
new guidelines Parliament
for solid launched theand
waste management European
gen- Dire
2008/98/EC [5], defining parameters and limits for CDW
eration reduction targets, the European Parliament launched the European Directive generation and disposal. Th
2008/98/EC [5],rective defines
defining waste as “any
parameters substance
and limits for CDWor object that theand
generation discard holders
disposal. The or intends
obliged
Directive defines wastetoas discard”. Following
“any substance European
or object that theguidelines,
discard holders French legislation
or intends or is [6] rega
CDW recycling
obliged to discard”. Followingaims to recycle
European 70% of French
guidelines, all CDW generated.
legislation [6] regarding CDW
The authors
recycling aims to recycle 70% ofresearched the economic, environmental, procedural viability, and
all CDW generated.
aspects
The authors surrounding
researched CDW recycling
the economic, plants [7–11],
environmental, suchviability,
procedural as the carbon footprint an
and other
differentCDW
aspects surrounding concentration
recycling circuits. This research
plants [7–11], such asconfirms
the carbon thefootprint
viability ofandthethe
plants. The
eral method
different concentration of managing
circuits. and processing
This research confirms CDW includes of
the viability thethe
separation
plants. The(with specifi
general method of managing
chinery and processing
or manually) of large orCDW includesmetallic
low-density the separation
material(with specific
(plastic, paper, wood
machinery or andmanually) of large
subsequent or low-density
comminution of themetallic material
inert material (plastic,bricks,
(concrete, paper,plaster,
wood,ceramics
etc.) and subsequent comminution
to separate of the inert
the fine portion material
(>5 mm) and(concrete,
obtain the bricks,
coarse plaster,
portion ceramics,
of this materia
etc.) to separate the fine portion (>5 mm) and obtain
mm and >5 mm), known as “inert CDW” [12–14]. the coarse portion of this material
(<20 mm and >5 mm), The known
so-calledas “inert
“inert CDW” contains
[12–14]. materials such as bricks, tiles, plaster, con
The so-called
mortar,“inert CDW”
cement contains
paste, materialscoarse
and liberated such as bricks, tiles,
aggregate plaster,
[15,16]. Figure concrete,
1 shows the av
mortar, cement paste, of
amount and liberated
CDW coarse aggregate
constituents [15,16]. Figure
and demonstrates 1 shows
that around 76% theofaverage
CDW is compos
amount of CDW constituents
solidified andmaterials.
and inert demonstrates that around 76% of CDW is composed of
solidified and inert materials.

Mineral and Solidified Wastes 76.0%

Mixed Ordinary Wastes 6.6%
Constituent parts of CDW (%)

Animal and Vegetable Wastes 3.6%

Equipment 0.6%
Wood Wastes 2.5%
Plastic Wastes 0.6%
Paper and Cardboard Wastes 1.7%
Metallic Wastes 4.2%
Chemical and Medical Wastes 2.7%
Other (glass, rubber, textile, commom sludges) 1.5%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%

Figure 1. Constituent parts of CDW generated by waste category [16].
Figure 1. Constituent parts of CDW generated by waste category [16].
Several authors [17–24] studied the use of the inert portion of CDW. The results
showed that CDWSeveral could be authors
reused[17–24] studied
in several ways,thesuch useas of
sandtheproduction,
inert portion of CDW. The re
pavement
showed
and roads, direct reusethat CDW
in the could mix
concrete be reused in several
as recycled ways, such
aggregates (RAs), asthe
sand production, pave
fabrication
of new concrete andblocks,
roads, and
directthereuse in the concrete
production of cement.mix as recycled
Research aggregates
was (RAs),
also carried outthe fabric
to analyze the efficiency of CDW as an adsorbent to treat polluted water. However, the carried o
of new concrete blocks, and the production of cement. Research was also
researchers alsoanalyze the efficiency
mentioned of CDWofas
the difficulties an adsorbent
reuse due to thetopresence
treat polluted water. However, th
of contaminants
searchers
and the suitability also mentioned
of material the difficulties
characteristics for uses withof reuse
greaterdue to thevalue,
added presence
suchof
ascontaminant
the
the suitability
use of aggregates of material
in new concrete characteristics for uses with greater added value, such as th
formulations.
of aggregates
The presence in new concrete
of contaminants limits theformulations.
application of recycled aggregates (RAs) in
The presence
new concrete formulations. of contaminants
Analyzing the ways oflimits
reusingtheCDW,
application of recycled
the authors aggregates (RA
in [23,25,26]
demonstratednew thatconcrete formulations.
the presence Analyzingisthe
of contaminants theways
mainoffactor
reusing CDW,
that the authors
influences its in [23,2
possibilities ofdemonstrated
reinsertion into thatthe
thesupply
presence of contaminants
chain. The contaminants is the negatively
main factorinfluence
that influences its
the fundamental properties
sibilities of the aggregates,
of reinsertion such aschain.
into the supply the size
Thedistribution,
contaminants shape index, influenc
negatively
apparent density, and water
fundamental absorption.
properties Theaggregates,
of the presence of bricks
such as themay make
size CDW reuse
distribution, shape inde
unfeasible dueparent
to the reduction
density, and in strength inherent to the
water absorption. Theconcrete
presence formulation wheremake
of bricks may the CDW
contaminated material is introduced [26–31]. Several standards, BCSJ [32], RILEM [33], and
UNE-EN 13242 [34], define the minimum requirements for aggregates so that good-quality
concrete can be obtained and define the percentages of their use according to the concrete
specifications for which recycled materials can be used and the origin of the CDW. The
 unfeasible due to the reduction in strength inherent to the concrete formulation where
contaminated material is introduced [26–31]. Several standards, BCSJ [32], RILEM
and UNE-EN 13242 [34], define the minimum requirements for aggregates so that g
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 3 of 17
quality concrete can be obtained and define the percentages of their use according to
concrete specifications for which recycled materials can be used and the origin of the C
The adherence of cement paste to aggregates from CDW recycling can modify the cha
adherence of cement paste to aggregates from CDW recycling can modify the characteristics
teristics of the material and make their reuse unfeasible. RA concrete formulations,
of the material and make their reuse unfeasible. RA concrete formulations, with the
the addition of cement or water that modify their framework, become economically u
addition of cement or water that modify their framework, become economically unviable.
able. Ongoing research [35–37] to reinsert materials into concrete formulations, suc
Ongoing research [35–37] to reinsert materials into concrete formulations, such as glass
glass and ceramic materials, aims to reduce the generation of CDW, lower the envi
and ceramic materials, aims to reduce the generation of CDW, lower the environmental
mental footprint and CO2 emissions of the construction sector, and provide improvem
footprint and CO2 emissions of the construction sector, and provide improvements in
in formulated concrete.
formulated concrete.
Some methods to generate an improvement in the characteristics of RA origina
Some methods to generate an improvement in the characteristics of RA originating
from CDW have been investigated, such as separation and classification processes b
from CDW have been investigated, such as separation and classification processes based on
on the density (water or air) of the materials present in the recycled CDW. The jig
the density (water or air) of the materials present in the recycled CDW. The jigging process
process
was also studied was also studied
by different authors by differentthe
to observe authors to observe
behavior of the the behavior
materials of theinmaterials
present
sent in the inert portion of the CDW to concentrate
the inert portion of the CDW to concentrate the denser portion (aggregates) and removethe denser portion (aggregates)
contaminants (plaster, ceramics, and bricks) from the RA [38,39]. This research confirmedThis rese
remove contaminants (plaster, ceramics, and bricks) from the RA [38,39].
the efficiencyconfirmed
of the jiggingthe efficiency
process inof the jigging process
concentrating the densein concentrating
portion of CDW theasdense
RA andportion of C
the efficiency of removing the contaminants, generating a material suitable to reinsert in suitab
as RA and the efficiency of removing the contaminants, generating a material
the market. reinsert in the market.
Jigging consistsJigging consists
of a density of a density process
concentration concentration processbycharacterized
characterized by repeated ex
repeated expansion
(dilatation) and contraction (compression) of a bed of particles through a fluid medium a fluid
sion (dilatation) and contraction (compression) of a bed of particles through
(air or water).dium
With(air theor water). With
fluidization the jig
of the fluidization of the jigofbed,
bed, the material the material
similar densities,ofsizes,
similar dens
sizes,toand
and shapes tends shapes tends
concentrate to concentrate
at either the top or theat bottom
either the top jig.
of the or the
Thebottom of the jig. The
feed material
separates when material
under separates
the actionwhen of the under
gravitythe action
force that of the gravity
allows force that
the separation allows the separa
of materials
by density into layers of stratification, with the denser material separating to the bottom ofseparatin
of materials by density into layers of stratification, with the denser material
the jig chamberthe (due
bottom of the
to their jig chamber
differential (due to theirvelocity)
sedimentation differential
and sedimentation velocity) and
the lighter material
separating tolighter
the top material
of the separating
chamber [40]. to theSampaio
top of the chamber
[41] [40]. Sampaio
demonstrates [41]
that air demonstrates
jigging,
despite having airthe
jigging, despite
advantage of having
not using thewater
advantage
to carryof out
notconcentration,
using water toiscarry out concentratio
less efficient
than the water lessjigging
efficient than theFigure
process. water jigging process. Figure
2 demonstrates 2 demonstrates
the expansion the expansion and c
and compression
pression
process that occurs process
inside that
the jig occurs inside
chamber, basedthe jig chamber,
on the pulsationbased
of theonjigthe
bed.pulsation of the jig

Figure 2. Schematic
Figure model of the jig
2. Schematic chamber
model of theduring the jigging
jig chamber duringprocess. (A) Jig
the jigging chamber
process. (A)atJig
thechamber a
beginning
beginning of the process,ofwith
the process, with
light (red) light
and (red)(black)
dense and dense (black)mixed;
materials materials
(B) mixed; (B) after pulsation
after pulsation,
materialwith
the material fluidizes fluidizes with
the fluid the fluid
pulse, pulse,the
expanding expanding the bed,
bed, allowing allowingto
the material the material to differen
differentiate
from gravitational forces; (C) after bed contraction, the material stratifies into layers, with thelayers,
from gravitational forces; (C) after bed contraction, the material stratifies into densewith the d
material being concentrated at the bottom of the jigging bed and the light material being located at
the top of the chamber. The figure was modified from the work of Sampaio et al. [19].

Jigs were and remain widely used mainly because of their low costs. In addition to
presenting low operational costs, jigs are robust, have a high capacity, are easy to operate,
and beneficiate relatively large particle distribution, which simplifies mineral processing
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 4 of 17

flowcharts. In comparison with other beneficiation processes, jigs present a great capacity
to absorb large fluctuations of ore contents, feed rates, and solid percentages [19].
Currently, as previously demonstrated, the main use of CDW is where it has a low
added value, where it is often not worth processing the material for resale. The use of RA,
with a low level of contaminants and desirable characteristics after processing by jigging,
as demonstrated in this work, generates a new perspective for reusing and processing
the material. Furthermore, this concept enables new studies on replacing NA with RA,
reducing costs, carbon emissions, and energy expenditure on processing and transporting
the material.
Observing the proposed context, this article proposes an analysis of the physical
characteristics of the aggregates that are recovered from concrete (16/20 Mpa) after their
concentration with the jigging process. Aiming to generate material with characteristics
that are equivalent or close to those found in natural aggregates, the paper aims to gener-
ate material with desirable characteristics in order to replace natural aggregates in new
concrete formulations. After the comminution of the concrete, the aggregates present in
the formulation are partially liberated and the analysis of the characteristics is necessary to
analyze their possible reuse in new concrete formulations.

2. Materials and Methods

2.1. Material Preparation
In the experiments, conventional structural concretes (16/20 Mpa) were manufactured
following Structural Concrete Instruction EHE/08 [42]. The material was initially subjected
to manual breaking to adapt to the input capacity of the jaw crusher configured with a top
size of 20 mm. After crushing, the material was sieved in a range of 20 to 5 mm (emulating
the process carried out in CDW recycling plants) to generate the material used in the tests.
The material smaller than 5 mm was separated and will not be used in this study; the
material larger than 20 mm was recirculated to the crushing process. Figure 3 demonstrates
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 5 of 19
the crushing process to which the material was subjected to generate the material used in
the paper.

Material generation
Figure 3. Material generation flowchart
flowchart before starting the jigging process.

2.2. Jigging Process

2.2. Jigging Process
2.2.1. Jigging Equipment
2.2.1. Jigging Equipment
The tests were carried out in a water jig designed on a laboratory scale. Figure 4
shows Thean tests
imagewere carried
of the deviceout
thatinwas
a water jigthe
used in designed ondevice
tests. The a laboratory
used is ascale. Figure
piston 4
jig that
shows an image of the device that was used in the tests. The device used is a piston jig
that uses water as a dense separation fluid in the concentration process. Powered by the
motor (E), the water is pumped from the piston (D) from the water duct (B) to the jig
chamber (A—enlarged in the image), where the material is placed. In the jig chamber, the
water propelled by the piston comes into contact with the material that provides the ex-
pansion and contraction of the bed, enabling the stratification of the material into layers.
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 5 of 17

uses water as a dense separation fluid in the concentration process. Powered by the motor
(E), the water is pumped from the piston (D) from the water duct (B) to the jig chamber
(A—enlarged in the image), where the material is placed. In the jig chamber, the water
propelled by the piston comes into contact with the material that provides the expansion
and contraction of the bed, enabling the stratification of the material into layers. The energy
panel (C) controls the operation. The tests were carried out with a frequency of 35 pulses
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 6 of 19
per minute, a maximum amplitude of 14 cm from the piston, and lasting 3 min.

Figure 4. Jig equipment used in the experiments: (A) jig chamber (enlarged), (B) water passage duct,
Figure 4. Jig equipment used in the experiments: (A) jig chamber (enlarged), (B) water passage duct,
(C) electric panel, (D) pump chamber, (E) motor. Modified from Teixeira et al. [39].
(C) electric panel, (D) pump chamber, (E) motor. Modified from Teixeira et al. [39].
After each test, the material is manually removed from the top of the jig chamber
After each test, the material is manually removed from the top of the jig chamber
according totothe
according thepreviously
previouslydefined
definedlayers
layers and
and placed
placed to to
drydry
in in
an an oven
oven at ◦70
at 70 C °C
forfor
24 h24toh
to remove moisture and subsequently carry out the characterization
remove moisture and subsequently carry out the characterization tests. tests.

2.2.2.Jig
2.2.2. JigConcentration
ConcentrationTest Test
Figure 55 demonstrates
Figure demonstrates the theflowchart
flowchartofofthe thetwo-stage
two-stage jigging
jigging processes
processesthatthat
were car-
were
ried out
carried toto
out concentrate
concentratethe theconcrete.
concrete.The
Thefirst
firststage
stageof
ofjigging
jiggingwas was carried
carried out in
in duplicate,
duplicate,
thefirst
the first(FM1)
(FM1)and andsecond
second(FM2).
(FM2). During
During the theprimary
primaryprocess,
process,two twolight
lightmaterials
materialswere
were
generated (LM1 and LM2) with 50% of the bulk volume of the batch,
generated (LM1 and LM2) with 50% of the bulk volume of the batch, which was separated, which was separated,
andaaprimary
and primaryconcentrate,
concentrate,denser
densermaterial
material(DM1(DM1and andDM2)
DM2)was wasgenerated
generatedrepresenting
representing
theother
the other50%50%bulk
bulkvolume
volumeof ofmaterial
materialthatthatwas
wasinserted
inserted in inthe
thejig
jigchamber.
chamber.The Thetwotwojigjig
batcheswere
batches werecarried
carriedoutoutto
togenerate
generateenough
enoughmaterial
materialforforthe
thesecond-stage
second-stagejigging
jiggingtest
testand
and
toconfirm
to confirmthe thereplicability
replicabilityof ofthe
theprocess.
process.In Inthe
thesecond
secondjigging
jiggingstage,
stage,DM1
DM1and andDM2
DM2werewere
mixed,generating
mixed, generatingthe thefeed
feedmaterial
materialof ofthe
thesecond
secondjigging
jiggingstage
stage(FM3),
(FM3),andandafter
afterprocessing,
processing,
two
two materials
materials were
were generated,
generated, the the final
final concentrated
concentrated material,
material, aa dense
dense part
part(DM3)
(DM3)thatthat
represents
represents 33% 33% ofof the bulk volume,
volume, and andaalighter
lightermaterial
material(LM3),
(LM3),which
which represents
represents 66%66% of
of
thethe bulk
bulk volume
volume of of
thethe
jig jig chamber
chamber thatthat
waswas alsoalso separated
separated andandwillwill
not not be used
be used in
in this
this
work.work.
Buildings
Buildings 2024,
2024, 14,
14, x FOR PEER REVIEW
2226 7 of 19
6 of 17

The flowchart
Figure 5. The flowchart of
of the
thetwo-stage
two-stage jigging
jigging processes
processes is
is used
used to
toconcentrate
concentrate the
the aggregates
aggregates from
from
the concrete.

The physical
The physical characterization
characterization tests
tests were
were carried
carried out
out on
on the
the concrete
concrete inserted
inserted in
in the
the
material feed
material feed (FM1
(FM1and
andFM2),
FM2),toto
obtain
obtainthethe
characteristics of the
characteristics of materials that were
the materials inserted
that were in-
in the jigging process after crushing, on the densest materials that were generated
serted in the jigging process after crushing, on the densest materials that were generated after
the first
after the stage (DM1
first stage and and
(DM1 DM2), andand
DM2), in the dense
in the material
dense material(DM3), which
(DM3), whichis composed
is composed of
aggregates recovered after the second jigging stage.
of aggregates recovered after the second jigging stage.
2.3. Materials Characterization
2.3. Materials Characterization
2.3.1. Densimetric Distribution Test
2.3.1. Densimetric Distribution Test
The concrete generated, in the size range of 5 to 20 mm, was submitted to a densimetric
The concrete
distribution with sink generated,
and float in test
the insize
therange of 5 of
densities to 2.4,
20 mm, was 2.6,
2.5, 2.55, submitted to2.75,
2.65, 2.7, a densi-
and
metric distribution with sink and float test in the densities of
2.8. The test was carried out using a solution of sodium polytungstate. The concrete 2.4, 2.5, 2.55, 2.6, 2.65, 2.7,
2.75, and 2.8. The test was carried out using a solution of sodium polytungstate.
samples were separated in the following density ranges: ρ < 2.4 g/cm3 , 2.4 < ρ < 2.5 g/cm3 , The con-
crete
2.5 < samples
ρ < 2.55 were
g/cmseparated
3 , 2.55 < ρin< the 2.6 following
g/cm3 , 2.6density ranges:
< ρ < 2.65 g/cmρ <3 ,2.4 g/cm
2.65 < ρ ,<2.4
3
2.7< g/cm
ρ < 2.53 ,
g/cm 3 , 2.5 < ρ < 2.55 3g/cm 3 , 2.55 < ρ < 2.6 g/cm
3 3 , 2.6 < ρ < 2.65 g/cm
3 3
2.7 < ρ < 2.75 g/cm , 2.75 < ρ < 2.8 g/cm , and ρ > 2.8 g/cm . The density of the solutions, 2.65 < ρ < 2.7 g/cm 3, 2.7

<was
ρ <measured
2.75 g/cmwith3 , 2.75a <manual
ρ < 2.8Anton
g/cm ,Paar
3 and Density
ρ > 2.8 g/cm
Meter
3 . The
(DMA density
35). of the solutions was
measured with a manual Anton Paar Density Meter (DMA 35).
2.3.2. Analysis of the Concrete Substrate Constitution
2.3.2.To
Analysis of thethe
understand Concrete Substrate
constitution Constitution
of the concrete used in the experiments, each of the
To understand
densimetric ranges thatthe were
constitution
obtained ofwas
the concrete
subjectedused in the experiments,
to a digestion each ofacid,
test with sulfuric the
densimetric
to quantify theranges that were
constituent obtained
content wasaggregates
of fine subjected (<5
to amm),
digestion test
coarse with sulfuric
aggregates acid,
(>5 mm),
and
to cementthe
quantify paste. The dissolution
constituent content of test was
fine carried out
aggregates (<5with
mm),the methodology
coarse aggregates defined by
(>5 mm),
Akbarnezhad
and et al.The
cement paste. [43].dissolution test was carried out with the methodology defined by
The concrete
Akbarnezhad et al.was dried, weighed, and placed in a sulfuric acid solution at a concentra-
[43].
tion of
The3 molar
concreteor was
higher. Using
dried, a circular
weighed, andmixer,
placedthe
in aconcrete
sulfuricwasacidleft submerged
solution in the
at a concen-
acid for 8 h and washed to remove the cement paste that was dissolved.
tration of 3 molar or higher. Using a circular mixer, the concrete was left submerged in the The procedure
was repeated
acid for 8 h anduntil all thetocement
washed removepaste was dissolved.
the cement paste thatAfter
wasthe cement paste
dissolved. had been
The procedure
completely
was repeated dissolved,
until allthe
theremaining
cement pasteaggregates were dried
was dissolved. in anthe
After oven overnight
cement pasteand
hadsieved
been
through a 5 dissolved,
completely mm sieve tothe quantify the remaining
remaining aggregatesweight
were of coarse
dried in aggregates (<5 mm) and
an oven overnight and
fine aggregates
sieved through (>5a 5 mm).
mm sieveThe amount of dissolved
to quantify cementweight
the remaining paste is
ofgiven
coarse byaggregates
the difference
(<5
between the amount of aggregates recovered at the end of the process,
mm) and fine aggregates (>5 mm). The amount of dissolved cement paste is given by the com-pared to the
weight of material
difference betweenthat the entered
amountinto the process.recovered at the end of the process, com-
of aggregates
pared to the weight of material that entered into the process.
2.3.3. Granulometric Distribution Test
2.3.3.The granulometric
Granulometric (particle Test
Distribution size) distribution of the material was determined by
analyzing the material retained on the sieves with 20 mm, 12.5 mm, 8 mm, and 5 mm sieves,
The granulometric (particle size) distribution of the material was determined by an-
and the fine aggregates with sizes under 5 mm were analyzed.
alyzing the material retained on the sieves with 20 mm, 12.5 mm, 8 mm, and 5 mm sieves,
and the fine aggregates with sizes under 5 mm were analyzed.
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 7 of 17

2.3.4. Form Factor

The form factor test was carried out by the standard EN 933-4 [44]. In total, 200 ag-
gregates are selected proportional to the mass fractions of the ranges 9.5 × 12.7 mm and
12.7 × 19.5 mm constant in the sample. The standard is used to perform shape factor
analysis for coarse aggregates. To carry out the analysis, a particle size distribution of the
material is carried out in the size range of 9.5 × 12.7 mm and 12.7 × 19.5 mm, removing
materials with particle sizes smaller than 9.5 mm. Subsequently, 200 different particles are
selected in proportion to the weight of the materials retained in each granulometric range.
The selected grains are measured in their largest longitudinal portion and their smallest
thickness with a caliper. The form factor is given by the average of the ratio between
the two measurements. The form factor of the materials directly interferes with the bulk
apparent density values, which modifies the dynamics of the material’s concentration in
the jigging process as well as the physical characteristics of the material’s adjustment.

2.3.5. Specific Density (OD), Saturated Specific Density (SSD), Apparent Density (OD),
Saturated Apparent Density (SSD), and Water Absorption
Due to the densimetric fractions and the cement paste content present in each of the
material concentration stages, the analysis of the material in its saturated state is necessary.
Cement paste, due to its porosity and lower density than aggregates, modifies the parameter
values according to the saturation of the material. The apparent and specific density values
in their water-saturated and oven-dry forms and the water absorption were measured
by ASTM C127-07 [45] to understand the influence of the presence of cement paste in
the aggregates.
The procedure recommended by the standard is as follows: Dry the test sample in
the oven to constant mass at a temperature of 110 ± 5 ◦ C, cool in air at room temperature
for 1 to 3 h for test samples of 37.5 mm (11/2 in) nominal maximum size, or longer for
larger sizes until the aggregate has cooled to a temperature that is comfortable to handle
(approximately 50 ◦ C). Subsequently, immerse the aggregate in water at room temperature
for a period of 24 ± 4 h.
Remove the test sample from the water and roll it in a large absorbent cloth until
all visible films of water are removed. Wipe the larger particles individually. Determine
the mass of the test sample in the saturated surface-dry condition. Record this and all
subsequent masses to the nearest 0.5 g or 0.05% of the sample mass, whichever is greater.
After determining the mass in air, immediately place the saturated surface-dry test sample
in the sample container and determine its apparent mass in water at 23 ± 2.0 ◦ C.
Dry the test sample in the oven to constant mass at a temperature of 110 ± 5 ◦ C, cool
it in air at room temperature for 1 to 3 h, or until the aggregate has cooled to a temperature
that is comfortable to handle (approximately 50 ◦ C), and determine the mass.
The equations used to determine the values are the follows:
• Specific Density (OD) (kg/m3 )

997.5 A/(B − C) (1)

• Specific Density (SSD) (kg/m3 )

997.5 B/(B − C) (2)

• Apparent Density (OD) (kg/m3 )

997.5 A/(A − C) (3)

• Water Absorption (%)

[(B − A)/A] × 100 (4)

Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 8 of 17
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 9 of 19

where
A = mass of oven-dry test sample in air, g;
A = mass of oven-dry
B = mass test sample in air,test
of saturated-surface-dry g; sample in air, g;
B = mass of saturated-surface-dry test sample
C = apparent mass of saturated test sample in in
air,water,
g; g.
C = apparent mass of saturated test sample in water, g.
3. Results and Discussion
3. Results
3.1. and Discussion
Granulometric Distribution Test
3.1. Granulometric Distribution Test
Table 1 presents the granulometric distribution values of the concrete after the crushing
process in 1the
Table jaw crusher.
presents The majority
the granulometric of the material
distribution values of(67.2% by weight)
the concrete is coarse
after the crush-
aggregates
ing process ininthe
theparticle size range
jaw crusher. betweenof
The majority 5 and 20 mm. After
the material (67.2% crushing,
by weight)the is
concrete
coarse
turns 32.8%ininto
aggregates the fine material
particle (0 × 5between
size range mm). This fine
5 and 20material
mm. After is composed
crushing, thebasically of
concrete
cement
turns pasteinto
32.8% andfine
finematerial
aggregates
(0 × (sand)
5 mm).that
Thisseparate from the
fine material coarse aggregates
is composed basicallydue to
of ce-
the difference
ment paste andinfine
resistance of the
aggregates cement
(sand) thatpaste and from
separate the aggregate
the coarse particles.
aggregatesThisdue
material
to the
was not analyzed
difference in this
in resistance paper.
of the Thepaste
cement coarse particles
and are composed
the aggregate particles.ofThis
totally liberated
material was
aggregates, particles of cement paste mixed with sand that were not comminuted
not analyzed in this paper. The coarse particles are composed of totally liberated aggre- in the
crushing process, and aggregates adhered with the cement paste.
gates, particles of cement paste mixed with sand that were not comminuted in the crush-
ing process, and aggregates adhered with the cement paste.
Table 1. Size distribution of the concrete (16/20 MPa) comminuted at a top size of 20 mm.
Table 1. Size distribution of the concrete (16/20 MPa) comminuted at a top size of 20 mm.
Concrete Size Distribution <5 mm (%) 5/8 mm (%) 8/12.5 mm (%) 12.5/20 mm (%) Total (%)
Concrete Size Distribution <5 mm (%)
32.8 5/8 mm14.7
(%) 8/12.5 mm
26.6 (%) 12.5/20 mm (%)
25.9 Total
100 (%)
16/20 Mpa Concrete 32.8 14.7 26.6 25.9 100
16/20 Mpa Concrete 32.8 67.2 100
32.8 67.2 100

3.2. Densimetric
3.2. Densimetric Distribution
Distribution Test
Test
The following
following densities
densitieswere
wereused
usedininthe
thesink-and-flow
sink-and-flow test: 3 2.5 g/cm3 ,
The test: 2.42.4 g/cm
g/cm 3, 2.5, g/cm 3, 2.55
2.55 g/cm 3 , 2.6 g/cm3 , 2.65 g/cm3 , 2.7 g/cm3 , 2.75 g/cm3 , and 2.8 g/cm3 . Figure 6
g/cm , 2.6 g/cm , 2.65 g/cm , 2.7 g/cm , 2.75 g/cm , and 2.8 g/cm . Figure 6 demonstrates
3 3 3 3 3 3
demonstrates
the mass retainedthe in
mass retained density
the different in the different
ranges ondensity rangesaton
the concrete thethe concrete
particle size at the
range
particle size
of 5 × 20 mm. range of 5 × 20 mm.

30%

25%
Mass (Wt%)

20%

15%

10%

5%

0%
2.4 > ƥ 2.5 > ƥ 2.55 > ƥ 2.6 > ƥ 2.65 > ƥ 2.7 > ƥ 2.75 > ƥ 2.8 > ƥ
Concrete 15% 19% 16% 15% 12% 18% 3% 1%
Density Range (g/cm3 )

Figure 6. Density distribution of the concrete generated after comminution, material in the granu-
Figure 6. Density distribution of the concrete generated after comminution, material in the granulo-
lometric range 5 × 20 mm.
metric range 5 × 20 mm.

The concrete studied

The concrete studied presents
presents aalarge
largedensity
densityvariation,
variation,mainly
mainlydueduetotothe
thecharacteris-
character-
istics of the comminution mechanism and the constituent parts of the concrete.
tics of the comminution mechanism and the constituent parts of the concrete. Normally, Normally,
16/20 Mpa
16/20 Mpaconcrete
concrete is
is composed
composed of
of three
three parts
parts of
of coarse
coarse aggregates
aggregates (particles
(particles larger than
larger than
55 mm
mm andand with
with high
high density),
density), two
two parts
parts of
of fine
fine aggregates
aggregates (particles
(particles smaller
smaller than
than 55 mm,
mm,
known as sand), and one part of cement (less dense material which involves particles with
higher density, forming concrete in its formulation). Particles with a density lower than
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 9 of 17
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 10 of 19

known as sand), and one part of cement (less dense material which involves particles
with higher density, forming concrete in its formulation). Particles with a density lower
2.6 g/cm3 are composed of a mixture of cement paste and fine aggregates, or coarse aggre-
than 2.6 g/cm3 are composed of a mixture of cement paste and fine aggregates, or coarse
gates with cement paste attached. The adhesion of cement paste directly negatively mod-
aggregates with cement paste attached. The adhesion of cement paste directly negatively
ifies the specific
modifies density,
the specific porosity,
density, formform
porosity, factor, and water
factor, absorption
and water of theof
absorption material, mak-
the material,
ing it impossible to recirculate it into new concrete formulations.
making it impossible to recirculate it into new concrete formulations.
Accounting for
Accounting for portions
portions>2.65 >2.65g/cm
g/cm
3, >2.7 g/cm3, >2.75 g/cm3, and >2.8 g/cm3, shown
3 , >2.7 g/cm3 , >2.75 g/cm3 , and >2.8 g/cm3 ,
in Figure 6, 34% of the material has a density
shown in Figure 6, 34% of the material has a density greatergreater
than 2.6than
g/cm
2.6; g/cm
3 this material is com-
3 ; this material

is composed of fully liberated coarse aggregates and coarse aggregates with a thin of
posed of fully liberated coarse aggregates and coarse aggregates with a thin layer ce-
layer
ment paste attached. Due to the difference in resistance between the
of cement paste attached. Due to the difference in resistance between the cement paste cement paste and the
coarse
and theaggregates, concreteconcrete
coarse aggregates, fracturefracture
tends totends
occurtoinoccur
the interface of the materials,
in the interface which
of the materials,
causes liberation of the aggregates. Due to its low cement paste content, this
which causes liberation of the aggregates. Due to its low cement paste content, this material material tends
to have
tends to characteristics similar
have characteristics to natural
similar aggregates,
to natural possibly
aggregates, allowing
possibly reuse.reuse.
allowing In theInpre-
the
sent work, the objective is to recover the material with a density above
present work, the objective is to recover the material with a density above 2.6 g/cm and 2.6 g/cm 3 and3 ana-

lyze its properties

analyze compared
its properties compared to natural aggregates.
to natural aggregates.

3.3. Concrete Substrate Constitution

Concrete formulations
formulations(16/20
(16/20MPa)MPa) normally
normally use a of
use a mixture mixture of aggregates
sand (fine sand (fine>
aggregates
5 mm), rocks > 5(coarse
mm), rocks (coarse
aggregates < 5aggregates < 5 mm),
mm), cement, cement,
and water and water
(cement (cement
paste). paste).
With the aim
With the aim of understanding the contents of each material existing in each granulometric
of understanding the contents of each material existing in each granulometric portion gen-
portion
erated, agenerated,
dissolutiona dissolution test was conducted.
test was conducted. The masses The masses in
retained retained in each densimet-
each densimetric range
ric
wererange were subjected
subjected to digestion
to digestion with hydrochloric
with hydrochloric acid to understand
acid to understand the composition
the composition of each
of
parteach partconcrete.
of the of the concrete.
Figure 7Figure
shows7 the
shows the values
values obtainedobtained
for eachformaterial
each material
in eachincorre-
each
corresponding
sponding density density
range.range.

100%
90%
80%
70%
Mass (wt%)

60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2.4 > ƥ 2.5 > ƥ 2.55 > ƥ 2.6 > ƥ 2.65 > ƥ 2.7 > ƥ 2.75 > ƥ 2.8 > ƥ
Fine Aggregates 27% 26% 22% 24% 16% 16% 0% 0%
Coarse Agregates 23% 24% 38% 51% 74% 75% 100% 100%
Cement Paste 50% 50% 40% 25% 10% 9% 0% 0%
Densimétric Ranges (g/cm3)

Figure 7. Cement paste, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates content in different density ranges.
Figure 7. Cement paste, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates content in different density ranges.
Concrete in the 5 × 20 mm granulometric range.
Concrete in the 5 × 20 mm granulometric range.

The densimetric
The densimetric fractions
fractions presented
presented thethe values
values of
of their
their constituents
constituents asas expected.
expected. Frac-
Frac-
tions with
tions with aa density
density greater
greater than
than 2.7
2.7 g/cm
g/cm were
3
3
were considered
considered coarse
coarse aggregates
aggregates completely
completely
liberated. It
liberated. It isisworth
worthmentioning
mentioningthatthatfine
fine aggregates
aggregates dodo
notnot
show show a degree
a degree of liberation
of liberation due
due
to to their
their complete
complete mixingmixing withcement
with the the cement
paste.paste. Densimetric
Densimetric fractions
fractions with densities
with densities lower
lower2.6
than than
g/cm2.63 g/cm
have3 ahave
highacontent
high content of cement
of cement paste
paste and and
fine fine aggregates,
aggregates, which con-
which contributes
tributes to reducing the density of the material. The densimetric ranges
to reducing the density of the material. The densimetric ranges of 2.6 < þ < 2.65 g/cm of 2.6 < þ <3 2.65
and
g/cm< þ
2.65 3 and 2.65
< 2.7 g/cm 3
< þ <have
2.7 g/cm
a highhave
3 a high
content content
of coarse of coarse 74%
aggregates, aggregates,
and 75%, 74% and 75%,
respectively;
respectively; in addition, the ratio of fine aggregates mixed with cement paste is higher
than the less dense fractions, which contributes to increasing the density of the material.
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 10 of 17
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 11 of 19

in addition, the ratio of fine aggregates mixed with cement paste is higher than the less
dense fractions, which contributes to increasing the density of the material.
3.4. Jig Concentration Tests
It is
3.4. Jig worth mentioning
Concentration Tests that jigging processes (water or air) are devices used around
the world and are
It is worth based on the
mentioning thatdifferentiation
jigging processes by density
(waterand sizeare
or air) of devices
the materials present
used around
in the
the worldbedand (separation
are basedofon denser particles frombyless
the differentiation denseand
density ones).
sizeObserving Figure
of the materials 7 and
present
the basic jigging theory, the jigging tests were dimensioned (height of
in the bed (separation of denser particles from less dense ones). Observing Figure 7 and the cuts in the jigging
bed) to
basic provide
jigging the the
theory, concentration
jigging tests ofwere
materials with a density
dimensioned (height greater
of cuts inthan
the2.6 g/cmbed)
jigging 3, to

analyze if it is possible to generate material with characteristics similar

to provide the concentration of materials with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm , to analyze to the3 natural ag-
gregates
if used in
it is possible toindustry.
generate material with characteristics similar to the natural aggregates
used Figure 8 demonstrates the mass flow corresponding to the two-stage jigging process
in industry.
that was
Figureproposed in the paper.
8 demonstrates The figure
the mass demonstrates the
flow corresponding amount
to the of material
two-stage jiggingthat was
process
inserted
that into the jigging
was proposed stages The
in the paper. and figure
its particle content with
demonstrates a density
the amount > 2.6 g/cm
of material that3. The
was
contentsinto
inserted of materials
the jiggingintended
stages andfor its
disposal
particleand concentrated
content materials
with a density > 2.6for
g/cm 3 . The con-
aggregate re-
covery
tents of are also demonstrated.
materials The firstand
intended for disposal stage of jigging materials
concentrated was carriedfor out in duplicate
aggregate recovery to
verify
are alsothe replicability of
demonstrated. Thethefirst
jigging
stageprocess in generating
of jigging was carriedmaterials with similar
out in duplicate charac-
to verify the
teristics and of
replicability to the
generate
jiggingsufficient
process material for the
in generating second jigging
materials stage. characteristics
with similar The first stage and was
to generate
carried sufficient
out with material for
two different feedthe second jigging
materials FM1 and stage.
FM2.The first stage was carried out
with two different feed materials FM1 and FM2.

Figure 8. The flowchart of the jig tests and mass balance of the jigging test.
Figure 8. The flowchart of the jig tests and mass balance of the jigging test.
Material Feed 1 (FM1) comprises 23,300 g of concrete with a content of 34% of materials
with Material
a densityFeed
greater
1 (FM1) 2.6 g/cm323,300
thancomprises (as shown in Figure
g of concrete 7) presenting
with a content of7922
34% gofofmate-
this
dense material. The process was carried out with a bed height of 18 cm. FM1, after jigging,
rials with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 (as shown in Figure 7) presenting 7922 g of this
generated two different materials, a light material (LM1) and a dense material (DM1). LM1
dense material. The process was carried out with a bed height of 18 cm. FM1, after jigging,
represents 50% (bulk volume) of the jigging bed and has 11,780 g of material with a content
generated two different materials, a light material (LM1) and a dense material (DM1). LM1
of 13% of the material with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 ; the material represents 50.6%
represents 50% (bulk volume) of the jigging bed and has 11,780 g of material with a con-
(by weight) of the material that was inserted into the FM1 and concentrates 20.3% of the
tent of 13% of the material with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3; the material represents
initial FM1 dense material. This material is composed of particles of cement paste and
50.6% (by weight) of the material that was inserted into the FM1 and concentrates 20.3%
of the initial FM1 dense material. This material is composed of particles of cement paste
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 11 of 17

fine aggregates with cement paste adhered to the material, normally presenting a low
density, high porosity, and high water absorption, making recirculation unfeasible. DM1
represents the remaining 50% (bulk volume) of the feed, which separates to the bottom
of the jig chamber. With a mass of 11,520 g of concrete, and 55% of it at a density greater
than 2.6 g/cm3 , DM1 represents 49.4% of the material inserted into FM1 and concentrates
79.7% of the dense material inserted into the feed. This material (DM1) is composed of fully
liberated aggregate particles and aggregates with a thin layer of cement paste with adhered
fine aggregates.
Material Feed 2 (FM2) comprises 27,100 g of concrete with a content of 34% of materials
with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 , presenting 9214 g of this dense material. The process
was carried out with a bed height of 20 cm. FM2 after jigging generated two materials, a
light material (LM2) and a dense material (DM2). LM2 represents 50% (bulk volume) of the
jigging bed and has 13,400 g of concrete, with a content of 16% of material with a density
greater than 2.6 g/cm3 ; the material represents 49.6% (by weight) of the material that was
inserted into the FM2 and concentrates 29.3% of the dense material. DM2 represents the
remaining 50% (bulk volume) of the feed, which separates to the bottom of the jig chamber.
With a mass of 13,700 g of concrete, and 52% of it at a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 , DM2
represents 50.6% of the material inserted into FM2 and concentrates 70.9% of the dense
material inserted into the feed. DM1 and DM2 have similar component characteristics.
The light materials (LM1 and LM2) were separated and can later be directed to
recirculation, to recover the dense material present. The dense materials (DM1 and DM2)
were removed and directed to the second jigging stage. The physical properties (specific
density, bulk density, saturated specific density, saturated bulk density, shape factor, and
water absorption) were analyzed of the mixed dense material (FM3) for comparison and
analysis of the progression of parameter values during the jigging process.
Material Feed 3 (FM3) is composed of 25.220 g of pre-concentrated concrete, having
a content of 53% of materials with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 , presenting 13.402 g
of dense material. The process was carried out with a bed height of 18 cm. FM3 after
jigging generated two materials, a light material (LM3) and a dense material (DM3). LM3
represents 66% (bulk volume) of the jigging bed and has 15.010 g of concrete with a content
of 32% of the material with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 . The material represents 29.8%
(by weight) of the material that was inserted into the first jigging stage and concentrates
27% of the dense material. DM3 represents the remaining 34% (bulk volume), which is
separated to the bottom of the jig chamber, has 10.210 g of concrete, and has a content
of 84% of material with a density greater than 2.6 g/cm3 . DM3 represents 20.3% of the
material inserted into the first jigging stage and concentrates 47.8% of the dense material
inserted into the test.
The light materials (LM3) were separated and can later be mixed (with LM1 and
LM2) for recirculation, to recover the dense material present. The dense materials (DM3)
were collected and directed for physical analyses. The physical properties (specific density,
apparent density, saturated specific density, saturated apparent density, shape factor, water
absorption, densimetric distribution, and cement paste content) were analyzed in DM3 for
comparison and analysis of the material generated at the end of the process.

3.5. Material Physical Characterization

After the jigging process, the materials generated were sent for physical analysis. The
physical properties (specific density, apparent density, saturated specific density, saturated
apparent density, shape factor, water absorption, and cement paste content) of the concrete
used at the beginning of the process (CO), the concentrated dense materials generated from
the primary jigging process (C1), the final material concentrated after the secondary jigging
process (C2), and conventional natural materials (NA) used in the construction industry
were analyzed to compare with the materials generated. Table 2 presents each material that
was analyzed.
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 12 of 17

Table 2. Materials analyzed after the jigging process.

Materials Code
Concrete after the comminution process CO
Concentrated material generated in the first jig stage (DM1 and DM2) C1
Concentrated material generated in the second jig stage (DM3) C2
Natural aggregates used in the industry NA

Analysis of Physical Properties

Table 3 presents the analyzed values of each of the concentrated materials from the
two jigging processes carried out (C1 and C2), as well as the material at the beginning of
the process (CO) and natural aggregates (NAs).

Table 3. Analysis of the physical parameters of the materials generated from the jig process (C1
and C2), the concrete used at the beginning of the process for concentration analysis (CO), and the
conventional natural aggregates (NAs) normally used in the industry.

Specific Apparent Specific Apparent Water

Cement
Materials Density Density Density (SSD) Density (SSD) Absorption Form Factor
Paste (%)
(OD) (g/cm3 ) (OD) (g/cm3 ) (g/cm3 ) (g/cm3 ) (%)
CO 2.59 1.37 2.47 1.35 4.73 2.19 46%
C1 2.62 1.38 2.57 1.37 3.2 2.07 30%
C2 2.66 1.38 2.6 1.37 1.2 2.07 15%
NA 2.67 1.47 2.65 1.41 0.72 2.09 0%

Table 2 shows the measured values of the main characteristics defined by Brito and Saikia [23]
as the parameters that most influence the fundamental properties of aggregates for use in
concrete. According to the concentration of the material with the jigging stages, an increase
in the specific and apparent density value observed in both its dry and saturated forms
is noted. Density is one of the fundamental parameters of aggregates and is important
to designing concrete mixes and controlling several properties of the resulting concrete.
The density of the CDW aggregate is lower than that of natural aggregates. This is due
to the existence of porous and less dense cement paste in the CDW aggregates. Due to
their origin and size, CDW aggregates may have different densities depending on the
amount of adhered mortar paste [23]. CO has a specific density of 2.59 g/cm3 , while C2
has 2.66 g/cm3 , approaching the 2.67 g/cm3 value observed in NA. An increase in density
values is observed while the concentration value of the cement paste decreases according
to the concentration stages of the jigging process. The jig processing removes less dense
particles, basically formed by cement paste. The bulk density of CDW aggregate is also
lower than that of normal aggregates. The bulk density of CDW aggregates is generally in
the range of 1150–1400 kg/m3 with a few exceptions [23]. Ferreira et al. [28] explain that
the lower apparent density value that is observed from RA recycled from CDW compared
to NA is due to the greater volume of voids between particles in the CDW aggregate. Water
absorption, contrary to what was observed in the density results, is directly related to the
cement paste content measured in the materials. The water absorption capacity of the CDW
aggregate is higher than that of normal aggregate (which is less than 1% for almost all
current aggregates), as the CDW aggregate is composed of cement paste, which is porous
by nature and therefore can absorb high amounts of water [23]. The higher the content of
the cement paste, the more porous the material is, and consequently it will absorb more
water due to its porosity. CO has a water absorption of 4.73%, in C1 3.2% water absorption
is observed, while C2 has only 1.2%, a value close to that obtained in NA, which measured
0.72% water absorption. De Juan [46], in a study carried out in Spain, reports that the water
absorption of NA can vary between 0 and 4%, while for cement paste that is adhered to the
aggregate, it is between 16 and 17%, providing a greater water absorption of RA from CDW,
which varies between 0.8 and 13%, with an average of 5.6%. Research [28,47] proposes that
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 14 of 19

Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 13 of 17

absorption of RA from CDW, which varies between 0.8 and 13%, with an average of 5.6%.
Research [28,47] proposes that an extra amount of water corresponding to the water ab-
an extra
sorbed byamount
the RA of bewater
addedcorresponding
to the concrete tomix
the water absorbeda by
and describes the RA
method ofbe added tothe
managing the
concretetomix
material and describes
compensate a method
for mixing of by
water managing
presoakingthe the
material
RA intoorder
compensate for mixing
to standardize the
water by presoaking
water/cement ration inthethe
RAconcrete
in orderformulations.
to standardizeThe theshape
water/cement
factor of ration in the concrete
the materials is also
directly related to the cement mass content, due to the randomness in the fracture of mass
formulations. The shape factor of the materials is also directly related to the cement ma-
content,
terials due
with to the
lower randomness
density in theoffracture
(composed cementofmass
materials with
and fine lower density
aggregates); the (composed
shape fac-
of cement
tor presentsmass andvalues
higher fine aggregates);
in CO when the shape factor
compared presents
to values higher values
measured in C1 and in COC2when
and
compared
natural to values(NAs)
aggregates measuredthat in
doC1 and
not C2 and
have natural
adhered aggregates
cement mass.(NAs) that do
Etxeberria et not
al. have
[26]
adhered the
reported cement
shape mass.
indicesEtxeberria
of CDWet al. stated
and [26] reported
that thethe shape
better indices
shape of theofCDW
CDWaggregates
and stated
that the better
facilitated their shape
use forofconcrete
the CDW aggregatesFigure
production. facilitated their use
9 presents thefor concrete
graphs production.
correlating the
characteristics tested with the cement paste content and defines the relation betweenpaste
Figure 9 presents the graphs correlating the characteristics tested with the cement the
content and defines the relation between the characteristics.
characteristics.

2.2 2.7

Specific Density (OD) (g/cm3)

NA
y = 0.1994x + 2.0596 2.68 C2 y = -0.1832x + 2.6767
Shape Factor

CO
2.15 2.66
2.64 C1
NA
2.1 2.62
C1 CO
2.6
2.05 C2 2.58
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Cement Paste Content (%) (B) Cement Paste Content (%)
(A)

1.48 NA 2.7
NA
Apparent Density (OD)

Specific Density (SSD) (g/cm3)

1.46 y = -0.1947x + 1.4443 y = -0.3739x + 2.6576

2.65
1.44 C2
1.42 2.6 C1
(g/cm3)

1.4 C2 C1 2.55
CO
1.38
2.5 CO
1.36
1.34 2.45
0% 20% 40% 60% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
(C) Cement Paste Content (%) Cement Paste Content (%)
(D)

1.42 NA 5
Apparent Density (SSD) (g/cm3)

Water Absortion (%)

1.41 y = -0.1174x + 1.4017 y = 9.1815x + 0.3737

4 CO
1.4
1.39 3
1.38 C2 C1 C1
1.37 2
1.36 CO NA
1 C2
1.35
1.34 0
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
Cement Paste Content (%) (F) Cement Paste Content (%)
(E)

Figure
Figure9.9.Graphs
Graphsofofthe
theratio
ratiobetween
betweenthe
theanalyzed
analyzedproperties
propertiesofofthe
thematerials
materialsand
andthe
thecement
cementmass
mass
present. (A) Shape Factor × Cement Paste Content, (B) Specific Density × Cement Paste Content,
present. (A) Shape Factor × Cement Paste Content, (B) Specific Density × Cement Paste Content, (C)
Apparent Density × Cement Paste Content, (D) Saturated Specific Density (SSD) × Cement Paste
(C) Apparent Density × Cement Paste Content, (D) Saturated Specific Density (SSD) × Cement Paste
Content, (E) Saturated Apparent Density (SSD) × Cement Paste Content, and (F) Water Absorption
Content, (E) Saturated Apparent Density (SSD) × Cement Paste Content, and (F) Water Absorption
× Cement Paste Content.
× Cement Paste Content.

Taking into account new concrete formulations, the relationships between materials in
their desaturated state are of greater relevance. The analysis of materials in their saturated
Buildings 2024, 14, x FOR PEER REVIEW 15 of 19

Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 14 of 17

Taking into account new concrete formulations, the relationships between materials
in their desaturated state are of greater relevance. The analysis of materials in their satu-
state
ratedisstate
important due todue
is important the to
modification of proportions
the modification and concrete
of proportions in its in
and concrete fresh state
its fresh
(workability and stiffening of the concrete) and later in its hardened state (durability,
state (workability and stiffening of the concrete) and later in its hardened state (durability,
resistance, fatigue, and
resistance, fatigue, and other
otherproperties).
properties).According
According to to what
what is observed
is observed in Figure
in Figure 9,
9, the
the cement paste content directly interferes with the characteristics of the aggregate
cement paste content directly interferes with the characteristics of the aggregate and con- and
consequently
sequently withwiththe the proportions
proportions necessary
necessary for the
for the manufacture
manufacture of concrete,
of concrete, requiring
requiring the
the addition of more water or cement in the formulations to adapt the proportions
addition of more water or cement in the formulations to adapt the proportions and char- and
characteristics. Figure 10 demonstrates the densimetric distributions of the materials
acteristics. Figure 10 demonstrates the densimetric distributions of the materials shown in
shown in Table 2 to compare the densimetric composition of the generated materials and
Table 2 to compare the densimetric composition of the generated materials and the simi-
the similarity of the concentrated material to natural aggregates.
larity of the concentrated material to natural aggregates.

60%
50%
Mass (Wt%)

40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
2.4 > ƥ 2.5 > ƥ 2.55 > ƥ 2.6 > ƥ 2.65 > ƥ 2.7 > ƥ 2.75 > ƥ 2.8 > ƥ
NA 0% 4% 0% 7% 26% 55% 4% 3%
C2 2% 2% 3% 9% 24% 53% 4% 3%
C1 7% 5% 11% 21% 17% 34% 4% 2%
CO 15% 19% 16% 15% 12% 18% 3% 1%
Density Range (g/cm3)

Figure 10. Densimetric distribution of concrete in its initial constitution (CO), the natural aggregates
Figure 10. Densimetric distribution of concrete in its initial constitution (CO), the natural aggregates
(NAs), and the generated materials in the first (C1) and second jigging stage (C2).
(NAs), and the generated materials in the first (C1) and second jigging stage (C2).

The densimetric
The densimetric distribution
distribution of of the
the analyzed
analyzed materials
materials demonstrates
demonstrates aa large large densi-
densi-
metric variation in the concrete in its initial form (CO) with
metric variation in the concrete in its initial form (CO) with a homogeneous distributiona homogeneous distribution
between the
between the values
values obtained
obtained in inlighter
lightermaterials
materials(2.4 (2.4g/cm
g/cm33 << þþ << 2.6
2.6g/cm
g/cm33)) and
and denser
denser
materials (2.6 g/cm 33 < þ < 2.8 g/cm 3 ).
3 From the first jigging stage
materials (2.6 g/cm < þ < 2.8 g/cm ). From the first jigging stage where the first concen- where the first concen-
trated material
trated material (C1)
(C1) is is generated,
generated, therethere is is aa decrease
decrease in in the
the content
content of of light
light materials
materials and
and
an increase in the content of dense materials. When observing
an increase in the content of dense materials. When observing the values obtained from the values obtained from
the material
the material generated
generated in in the
the second
second jigging
jigging stage
stage (C2),
(C2), the
the values
values areare similar
similar toto the
the values
values
obtained from
obtained from natural
natural aggregates,
aggregates,due duetotothe theremoval
removalofoflight lightmaterials
materials that areare
that located
locatedin
thethe
in upper
upper part of the
part of the jig jig
chamber
chamber during both
during stages.
both In C2,
stages. a small
In C2, presence
a small of light
presence ma-
of light
terial (2.4(2.4
material g/cm 3 < þ
g/cm 3 < < þ2.5< g/cm 3) is 3observed; the presence of this material is due to the
2.5 g/cm ) is observed; the presence of this material is due to
particles
the thatthat
particles areare
trapped
trapped within
within the thedense
densematerial
materialconcentrated
concentratedin in the
the second jigging
stage
stage at the bottom of the jig chamber, which are unable to move
chamber, which are unable to move to the highest to the highest part
part of the
jigging bed
jigging bedwhere
wherethe thelight
lightmaterial
material is is located,
located, making
making it impossible
it impossible to remove.
to remove. C2 pre-
C2 presents
sentsof84%
84% of material
material with awith a density
density > 2.6 g/cm 3 , very
> 2.6 g/cm 3, very close to natural aggregates that pre-
close to natural aggregates that present
sent of
88% 88% of material
material in theinsame
the same granulometric
granulometric range, range,
and aand a densimetric
densimetric distribution
distribution sim-
similar to
ilar one
the to the one in
found found
the NA.in the NA.

3.6.
3.6. Future
Future Trendings
Trendings
Analyzing
Analyzingthe thematerials
materialsgenerated
generatedandandthe possibility
the of of
possibility recovering aggregates
recovering present
aggregates pre-
in concrete with characteristics very similar to natural aggregates, it is necessary
sent in concrete with characteristics very similar to natural aggregates, it is necessary toto ana-
lyze the the
analyze useuse
of these materials
of these in in
materials new
newconcrete
concreteformulations
formulationstotovalidate
validatethe
the parameters
parameters
observed in the work. The formulation of concrete test specimens and the analysis of the
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 15 of 17

characteristics that the insertion of these generated materials can bring to new concretes
are of utmost importance for the validation of the concentration method for CDW.
Although the jigging process is widely used around the world, the method of concen-
trating aggregates with the jigging process is a new possibility that is being suggested by
this work; thus, a pilot-scale plant is necessary to validate the process at industrial levels.

4. Conclusions
The main conclusions of this paper are the following:
The aggregates recovered from the use of the two-step jigging process for the pro-
cessing of CDW as demonstrated in the paper present improvements in their physical
properties, and the proposed process is promising for enabling the use of recycled ag-
gregates. The process positively influences the analyzed characteristics of the aggregates
and is a fundamental part of the recovery of more than 50% of the coarse aggregates with
density >2.6 g/cm3 present in the concrete studied.
The comminution of the material via jaw crusher with a top size of 20 mm and the
classification of the material in the granulometric range of 5–20 mm demonstrated the gen-
eration of more than 32% of fine material (0–5 mm) and more than 67% of coarse material.
It was observed that the concrete presented a large density variation in the coarse
particles (5–20 mm), ranging from 2.4 to 2.8 g/cm3 , allowing the stratification of the
material between tailings (cement paste and fine aggregates) and concentrated material
(coarse aggregates).
The concrete dissolution analysis, used to observe the composition of the concrete
(cement paste, fine aggregates, and coarse aggregates content) in all granulometric ranges,
demonstrated the presence of 34% of particles with a density > 2.6 g/cm3 . Such particles had
a low cement paste content and characteristics close to those found in natural aggregates
according to the analysis.
The analysis of the properties of the materials that were inserted in the process, as well
as the materials that were generated in each of the jigging stages, positively demonstrate
the improvement in the parameters of specific and apparent density, shape factor, water
absorption, shape factor, and cement paste content. With cement paste as a contaminant
in the CDW recycling process, the reduction in its content is positive for the subsequent
analysis of the reuse of this material (DM3).
Due to its proprieties (porosity, density, and water absorption), cement paste content
was directly linked to the properties analyzed in the study. A reduction was observed
in the 46% content of cement paste that was analyzed in the feed material (CO) of the
process to 30% after the first jigging stage (C1), and to 15% after the second jigging stage
(C2) performed on the final concentrated material.
The densimetric analysis carried out on the materials generated and compared with the
natural aggregates provided the verification of the similarity of the densimetric characteris-
tics of the material generated after the second jigging stage (C2) with the natural aggregates.

Author Contributions: Conceptualization, C.H.S., A.B.T. and J.L.C.P.; methodology, J.O.M., J.L.C.P.
and A.B.T.; software, J.O.M. and J.L.C.P.; validation, G.T.H.L.R., J.O.M. and A.B.T.; formal analysis,
C.H.S.; investigation, M.M.D.L. and A.B.T.; resources, J.O.M. and A.B.T.; data curation, C.H.S., A.B.T.
and J.L.C.P.; writing—original draft preparation, A.B.T. and G.T.H.L.R.; writing—review and editing,
C.H.S., M.M.D.L. and A.B.T.; visualization, M.M.D.L. and G.T.H.L.R.; supervision, J.O.M. and J.L.C.P.;
project administration, C.H.S. and J.L.C.P.; funding acquisition, C.H.S., J.L.C.P. and J.O.M. All authors
have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.
Funding: This research was funded by Agència De Suport A La Competitivitat De L’empresa
Catalana, Acc1ó, grant number: ACE034/21/000093.
Data Availability Statement: Data are contained within the article.
Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the Agència de Suport a la Competitivitat de
L’empresa Catalana for the funding received, as well as the company ROMÀ Infrastructures i Serveis
for the samples provided.
Buildings 2024, 14, 2226 16 of 17

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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