Quality assessment for recycling aggregates from construction and demolition waste: An image-based approach for particle size estimation. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Di Maria, Francesco; Bianconi, Francesco; Micale, Caterina; Baglioni, Stefano; Marionni, Moreno
• Is Part Of: Waste management. Volume 48(2016)
• Page Start: 344
• Page End: 352
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Construction and demolition waste -- Image analysis -- Particle size distribution -- Texture; Hazardous wastes -- Periodicals; Refuse and refuse disposal -- Periodicals; 363.728
• DOI: 10.1016/j.wasman.2015.12.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0956-053X

Abstract

Highlights: The paper proposes an image-based approach for estimating the grain-size distribution of aggregates from C&D. Compared with manual sieving the proposed solution is faster, contactless and can operate in a continuous manner. Experimental comparison with manual sieving showed agreement in the range 81–85%. The method demonstrated potential for being used in C&D mechanical treatment plants. Abstract: The size distribution of aggregates has direct and important effects on fundamental properties of construction materials such as workability, strength and durability. The size distribution of aggregates from construction and demolition waste (C&D) is one of the parameters which determine the degree of recyclability and therefore the quality of such materials. Unfortunately, standard methods like sieving or laser diffraction can be either very time consuming (sieving) or possible only in laboratory conditions (laser diffraction). As an alternative we propose and evaluate the use of image analysis to estimate the size distribution of aggregates from C&D in a fast yet accurate manner. The effectiveness of the procedure was tested on aggregates generated by an existing C&D mechanical treatment plant. Experimental comparison with manual sieving showed agreement in the range 81–85%. The proposed technique demonstrated potential for being used on on-line systems within mechanical treatment plants of C&D.