Properties of Precast Concrete Using Food Industry-Filtered Recycled Diatoms

Abstract

The concrete industry is under increasing pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. An immediate solution is to minimize the amount of Portland cement used by partially substituting other supplementary cementitious materials. This article presents the results of an experimental campaign on the influence of replacing Portland cement with both calcined and uncalcined diatomites from the filtration of beer and wine in the production of elements made of vibro-pressed pre-cast concrete, such as pipes. Additionally, a natural diatomite is used. The mechanical properties, capillary water absorption, carbonation, and chloride ingress are tested. The results obtained show the possibility of using natural and recycled diatomites on an industrial scale, which can improve even the long term properties of prepared precast concrete.