Properties of dune sand concrete containing coffee waste

Abstract

Abstract. In the last years, an increase of coffee beverages consumption has been observed all over the world; and its consumption increases the waste coffee grounds which will become an environmental problems. Recycling of this waste to produce new materials like sand concrete appears as one of the best solutions for reduces the problem of pollution. This work aims to study the possibility of recycling waste coffee grounds (Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG)) as a fine aggregate by replacing the sand in the manufacturing of dune sand concrete. For this; sand concrete mixes were prepared with substitution of sand with the spent coffee grounds waste at different percentage (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% by volume of the sand) in order to study the influence of this wastes on physical (Workability, bulk density and porosity), mechanical (compressive and flexural strength) and Thermal (Thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity) properties of dune sand concrete. The results showed that the use of spent coffee grounds waste as partial replacement of natural sand contributes to reduce workability, bulk density and mechanical strength of sand concrete mixes with an increase on its porosity. However, the thermal characteristics are improved and especially for a level of 15% and 20% of substitution. So, it is possible to obtain an insulating material which can be used in the various types of structural components. This study ensures that reusing of waste coffee grounds in dune sand concrete gives a positive approach to reduce the cost of materials and solve some environmental problems.

Study of Recycled Spent Coffee Grounds as Aggregates in Cementitious Materials

“…The pores in SCGs capture one of the most effective insulating substances, air, resulting in an increase in the insulation capacity. Also of note, the irregular relationship between the SCG amount and thermal conductivity that was found in previous studies [17,18] was not seen in this research.…”

“…Although various studies have explored efficient ways of recycling such organic waste, most SCGs are still disposed of in landfills, increasing CO 2 emissions and soil acidification. Several experimental studies have shown that cementitious materials with SCGs improve thermal insulation capacity; however, the effect on mechanical properties is still questionable, as no consistent test results have been reported [3,17,18]. If SCGs added to cement mortar have mechanical properties equivalent to conventional mortar, they could be used as a construction material, with numerous benefits such as: 1) reducing CO 2 emitted from the disposition process of organic waste, 2) saving energy for cooling and heating, thanks to the improved thermal insulation capacity, 3) reducing the use of limited natural resources employed as fine aggregates (e.g., sand), and 4) bringing economic benefits by using abundant and nearly cost-free materials.…”

“…Guendouz and Boukhelkhal [18] explored the possibility of incorporating SCGs into dune sand concrete. In that study, SCGs were used as a fine aggregate to replace sand in dune sand concrete mixes.…”