In this paper, we study the influence of densified microsilica and colloidal nanosilica admixtures on the mechanical strength and the microstructural characteristics of special mortars used for immobilizing radioactive concrete waste. The experimental program focused on the replacement of cement with micro- and/or nanosilica, in different proportions, in the basic composition of a mortar made with recycled aggregates. The technical criteria imposed for such cementitious systems, used for the encapsulation of low-level radioactive waste, imply high fluidity, increased mechanical strength and lack of segregation and of bleeding. We aimed to increase the structural compactness of the mortars by adding micro- and nanosilica, all the while maintaining the technical criteria imposed, to obtain a cement matrix with high durability and increased capacity for immobilizing radionuclides. The samples from all the compositions obtained were analyzed from the point of view of mechanical strength. Also, micro- and nanosilica as well as samples of the optimal mortar compositions were analyzed physically and microstructurally. Experimental data showed that the mortar samples present maximum compressive strength for a content between 6 and 7.5% wt. of microsilica, respectively, for a content of 2.25% wt. nanosilica. The obtained results suggest a synergistic effect of micro- and nanosilica when they are used simultaneously in cementitious compositions. Thus, among the analyzed compositional variants, the mortar composition with 3% wt. microsilica and 2.25% wt. nanosilica showed the best performance, with an increase in compressive strength of 23.5% compared to the control sample (without micro- and nanosilica). Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images highlighted the decrease in pore diameter and the increase in structural compactness, especially for mortar samples with nanosilica content or a mixture of micro- and nanosilica. This study is useful in the field of recycling radioactive concrete resulting from the decommissioning of nuclear research or nuclear power reactors.

Using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) is a matter of high priority in the construction industry worldwide. In countries like the Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, USA, Japan, France recycled concrete aggregates obtained from demolition are valorized up to 90%, mainly for road construction and less in the manufacture of new concrete. Recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) generally result from a two-stage crushing of the concrete obtained from demolition followed by the screening and removal of contaminants (wood, plastic, metal, ceramics etc.). The literature review showed that the recycled aggregates concrete (RAC) are less resistant, with 15 to 40% versus concrete obtained using natural aggregates. The factors that play a role in the reducing of mechanical resistance are presented and analyzed in this study. This paper presents a study on the use of recycled aggregates, from a concrete of specified class, to acquire new cement concrete with different percentages of recycled aggregates. In order to evaluate the influence upon the properties of the new concrete obtained, recycled aggregates have been characterized in terms of the granulosity, the granule shape, the absorption of water, behavior to the Los Angeles test, the content of attached mortar etc.

Natural aggregates (gravel and crushed) are essential non-renewable resources which are used for infrastructure works and civil engineering. Using recycled concrete aggregates (RCA) is a matter of high priority in the construction industry worldwide. This paper presents a study on the use of recycled aggregates, from a concrete of specified class, to acquire new cement concrete with different percentages of recycled aggregates.

The cement based grouts, as functional performance composite materials, are widely used for both immobilisation and encapsulation as well as for stabilization in the field of inorganic waste management. Also, to ensure that low level radioactive waste (LLW) are contained for storage and ultimate disposal, they are encapsulated or immobilized in monolithic waste forms, with cement –based grouts. The paper includes some research data referring to cement based grout mix design for use as encapsulating/immobilizing system for low level radioactive waste. The work includes cement-based-grout mix design method used practically into establishing of the optimum grout mix based on the water/cement ratio, cement/sand ratio in order to achieve application requiered values of fluidity, segregation resistance, shrinkage and mechanical strengths. These engineering grout characteristics present relevance for simulation experiments of radionuclide leaching from LLW – cement grout encapsulation system.

This study investigates the feasibility of employing fiberglass reinforcement as a substitute for conventional steel reinforcement in concrete bridge beams, with particular attention to mechanical performance and chemical stability within the alkaline environment of concrete.