Mission
CIRCOMP (CIRcular concrete from COMPosite waste) aims to demonstrate the feasibility and technical, economic and environmental benefits associated with the reuse of composite material waste, used for various industrial productions, in concrete.
THE PROJECT
CIRCOMP aims to develop, within the circular economy approach, different solutions for the reuse into concrete of an industrial waste consisting of a composite material, derived from a mixture of siliceous and silicate materials combined with an acrylic-based resin. The project includes the transformation of waste and its incorporation into concrete in two different forms: 1) powders/aggregates characterized by different grain size, to evaluate their partial replacement of cement or fine/coarse aggregates; 2) synthetic fibers. The project interests both companies operating in the cement and concrete production sector and companies producing and processing composite materials. The identified reuse scenarios are verified through an assessment of the chemical, physical, mechanical, and technological performance of the produced materials. Through the Life Cycle Assessment, the best reuse option also from an environmental perspective is defined, providing then an overall balance in terms of achieved mechanical performance, energy spent, social and economic impact. The study also includes an analysis of legislative constraints regarding authorization procedures for the reuse of waste materials in construction materials and their transformation into secondary production materials.
ABOUT US
The project is characterized by a multidisciplinary research team, encompassing various sectors and competencies. The researchers involved in CIRCOMP are affiliated with the University of Parma and have extensive experience in the study of cement-based construction materials, especially in the development of innovative and sustainable materials incorporating waste froms industrial processes. Alongside technical expertise in chemical and mechanical/structural fields, the group is enriched by participants with extensive experience in environmental impact analysis, sustainability, circular economy, Agenda 2030, and corporate social responsibility.
The study also sees the expression of interest from the companies Betonrossi and Plados, operating in the sectors of concrete production and composite material sink production, respectively.