Vincent Goovaerts

Dr. Vincent Goovaerts


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

8Years (2019-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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5 February 2019 in Materials
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MEMaarten Everaert
Maarten Everaert
RSRaphael Stein
Raphael Stein
SMSimon Peter Michaux
Simon Peter Michaux
VGVincent Goovaerts
Vincent Goovaerts
CGCarlo Groffils
Carlo Groffils
KBKris Broos
Kris Broos
Recent advances in concrete recycling technology focus on novel fragmentation techniques to obtain aggregate fractions with low cement matrix content. This study assesses the aggregate liberation effectiveness of four different treatment processes including standard and innovative concrete fragmentation techniques. Lab-made concrete samples were subjected to either standard mechanical crushing technique (SMT) or electrodynamic fragmentation (EDF). For both fragmentation processes, the influence of a microwave weakening pre-treatment technique (MWT) was investigated. A detailed analysis of the particle size distribution was carried out on samples after fragmentation. The >5.6 mm fraction was more deeply characterized for aggregate selective liberation (manual classification to separate liberated aggregates) and for cement matrix content (thermogravimetric measurements). Results highlight that EDF treatment is more effective than SMT treatment to selectively liberate aggregates and to decrease the cement matrix content of the >5.6 mm fraction. EDF fully liberates up to 37 wt.% of the >5.6 mm natural aggregates, while SMT only liberates 14–16 wt.%. MWT pre-treatment positively affects aggregate liberation and cement matrix removal only if used in combination with SMT; no significant effect in combination with EDF was recorded. These results of this study can provide insights to successfully implement innovative technology in concrete recycling plants.