LADICIM collaborates in the guide to implement in Spain the European standard for recycled concrete in structures
The goal is to provide precise recommendations to optimise the design and implementation of recycled concrete structures, contributing to the transition towards more environmentally friendly construction
The Laboratory of the Materials Science and Engineering Division of the University of Cantabria (LADICIM) has been selected by the International Concrete Federation to collaborate in the writing of the Application Guide in Spain of ‘Annex N of the UNE-EN 1992-1-1 Eurocode 2’, a key regulation to regulate the use of recycled concrete in structures in the European Union.
Carlos Thomas, researcher at LADICIM and professor at UC, will lead together with Nikola Tošić, professor at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, the working group in charge of developing this guide in Spain. This group will integrate the specificities of the national context, given that, Although the regulations have a European scope, the annexes must be adapted to local particularities.
“In Spain, for example, the predominant recycled materials come from concrete and stone, unlike other countries where different components can be used. Therefore, it is essential to develop precise recommendations and make interpretations of the standard tailored to each environment,” emphasizes Professor Thomas.
LADICIM experience in sustainable concrete
The Laboratory of the University of Cantabria has participated in projects such as RECNHOR, financed by the Ministry of the Environment, which established between 2006 and 2008 the regulatory bases for the use of recycled aggregates in structural concrete in Spain. Also in Annex 15 of the Structural Concrete Instruction EHE-08, which establishes specific guidelines for the use of recycled aggregates in the manufacture of structural concrete.
LADICIM also leads cutting-edge research such as the SEACOND project, focused on the reuse of concrete waste in marine environments. And he actively participates in the main organizations in this field, such as the Construction Technology Platform, the Structural Concrete Association and the International Concrete Federation, among others.
The impact of recycled concrete
The European initiative to develop regulations that regulate the use of recycled concrete arises from the need to reduce the environmental impact of construction sector, limiting the volume of waste deposited and CO2 emissions.
Concrete, due to the high environmental impact of cement production, its main component, is responsible for approximately 8% of global CO₂ emissions. The regulation seeks to promote more sustainable practices through the reuse of recycled materials, reducing the extraction of natural resources and closing the life cycle of materials.
The regulations also address historical barriers that have limited the adoption of recycled concrete, such as confidence in its technical performance and durability, and the absence of uniform standards that guarantee its quality. Establishing clear guidelines The aim is to promote the harmonization of practices throughout Europe, ensuring that recycled concrete is a viable and safe option for both structural and non-structural applications.
Advantages of recycled concrete
Recycled concrete offers a series of technical and environmental advantages that position it as a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete. From a technical point of view, when processed and applied correctly, recycled aggregates can provide comparable properties to conventional concrete in terms of resistance and durability. This has been supported by research that demonstrate their benefits as long as the established proportions and standards are respected.
In environmental terms, recycled concrete contributes significantly to reducing the ecological impact of construction. Its use allows reduce the need for natural aggregates by up to 20%, reducing pressure on natural resources and avoiding the massive generation of waste. Likewise, this material can efficiently manage construction and demolition waste, closing the life cycle of the materials.
Challenges for its implementation
The adoption of recycled concrete on a large scale faces challenges that require technical, economic and regulatory attention. One of the main challenges is to guarantee the quality and consistency of the material. The inherent variability of recycled aggregates, depending on their origin and treatment, makes it difficult to achieve uniform properties, which requires rigorous control in recycling processes, from classification to treatment. This need increases operating costs and demands significant investments in advanced processing and sorting technologies.
From a regulatory point of view, although frameworks such as Annex N of Eurocode 2 are being developed, the lack of harmonized and standardized regulations at European level has limited user confidence in the material. Added to this is the insufficient infrastructure for recycling. In Spain, for example, less d15% of construction and demolition waste is recycled, and in low liability applications.
This problem is aggravated in regions where natural aggregates are abundant and more economical. Finally, the lack of widespread economic incentives, such as tax benefits or penalties for dumping, slows down the transition towards the use of this material. Overcoming these challenges requires a joint effort in technological innovation, effective regulation and market awareness.
Guarantees for its integration in the construction industry
To guarantee the safety and durability of recycled concrete, strict quality controls are required on recycled aggregates, ensuring that they come from structural concrete and are free of impurities such as wood or metals. Regulations such as Annex 15 of the EHE-08, and now CStructural code, limit the proportion of recycled aggregates to 20% in structural applications, ensuring properties equivalent to conventional concrete. In addition, laboratories such as LADICIM carry out rigorous technical tests to verify its compression resistance, durability against freezing and thawing cycles, water permeability and adhesion with reinforcement, guaranteeing its performance in demanding conditions.
Recycled concrete must also be adapted to the specific environments where it will be used, such as coastal areas or areas exposed to chemical agents, adjusting its composition to meet the requirements of the context. The traceability and certification of recycled aggregates, supported by the CE Marking, are essential to ensure compliance with technical standards. In addition, innovations such as additives that improve adhesion and treatments that reduce porosity increase the quality and durability of the material, allowing recycled concrete to compete with traditional concrete in terms of safety and performance.
